NFL Trade Machine: Possible Martellus Bennett Suitors

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions defeated the Bears 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Previously thought untouchable players always find themselves in uncharted territory when a new regime takes over a franchise.  It often leads to NFL trade rumors at the very least and actual ones in several cases.

Tight end Martellus Bennett finds himself in that situation.

The 28-year old is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance.  He is now the second major piece of the Bears offense to garner trade attention.  Chicago already dealt Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets.  It’s possible they could get a significantly bigger return for Bennett given his age, durability and rising production.

With two years left on his current contract, that only adds to his value.  What it comes down to is finding a team willing to make a deal.  Who should be considered the best suitors for the Bears to contact?

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan had some of his greatest success as a quarterback when he had Tony Gonzalez on offense with him for the Atlanta Falcons.  Since Gonzalez retired, they haven’t found anybody even close to filling the production he brought.  Bennett would be the first significant attempt to do so, and would be somewhat ironic since an NFL trade is how Atlanta got Gonzalez as well.

Next: Baltimore