While the Chicago Bears continue to deny that Martellus Bennett is available for dealing, the rumors cannot be denied. The tight end himself has made it clear he is not requesting a trade from Chicago, but he and running back Matt Forte would like some respect when it comes to their contract. As both players remain very critical to Chicago's success, will the Bears be forced to make a move if they continue to hold out?
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears have fielded calls regarding deals for Bennett, but they are not sold on dealing the tight end. Bennett appears to be having contract issues with Chicago as he enters the final two years of his $20.4 million, four-year contract. Getting rid of Bennett would easily free up a significant amount of salary cap space, but leave a dent on the field. Right now the Bears have six other tight ends on the roster. Dante Rosario, Blake Annen, Jacob Maxwell, Zach Miller, Bear Pascoe and Brian Vogler are all on the roster heading into offseason camps. The Tribune reports that it is hard to see Chicago dealing away Bennett who is coming off a career-high season as he remains a critical part in the passing game.
The jury is still out on Forte as well. The running back is entering the final year of his contract and the Bears have made no moves to sign him to a new contract. Forte made it clear that he wants to remain with Chicago for his entire career, but the team must want the same thing. The Tribune reports the Bears are not trading the running back as head coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace both report they want both players back on the field.
"I have talked to [Bennett]," Fox said, via ESPN.com. "I kind of know where he is. With anybody that is not here, I prefer they are here. But he's part of our football team and we'll leave it at that."
The Bears have Kevin White officially under contract, joining Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal. They headline the wide receiver group meaning Bennett and Forte will be crucial for Jay Cutler in the upcoming season.
