NFL Trade Machine: Martellus Bennett Alienating Himself

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

As if deciding to hold out for a new contract with a new regime taking over the Chicago Bears, one that did not sign him in the first place and held no loyalties in that regard, it seems Martellus Bennett is trying like hell to ruin any prayer he has of getting more money.

The organization is appreciative of what he accomplished last season, setting career highs in catches (90), yards (916) and touchdowns (6) on his way to his first career Pro Bowl. However, it also came in a season when the team went 5-11. That meant the Bears were playing from behind in a lot of games, during which he likely saw extra chances to catch passes due to them constantly throwing the ball. Besides that, just one of his six touchdowns came in the second half of the season.

Suffice to say the numbers do not directly correlate to impact. So it probably wasn’t the best idea for him to completely disregard studying the playbook of new offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

"“When Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett kept away from voluntary OTAs in an attempt to gain leverage for a better contract, he admitted he hadn’t even glanced at the playbook.Instead, when Bennett reported to mandatory minicamp this week he told reporters this was the first time he was getting a look at the offense under new coordinator Adam Gase.”"

While questioning his work ethic isn’t appropriate at this stage, it’s very curious why he would handicap himself by refusing to look at the playbook. Not only does is immediately stunt his growth alongside his teammates and set a bad example for the rookies coming in, it also diminishes his chances of getting that pay raise he’s so anxious for.

If anything the moves reeks of a man who has checked out and is subtlety trying to find ways to get out of doing the hard work. The end game would be getting out of his deal as quickly as possible so he can seek another elsewhere.

It isn’t bad yet, but over time coaches may grow tired with his antics and decide cutting him or an NFL trade would be preferable. There is certainly value in the latter options as many teams would clamor for a 28-year old Pro Bowl tight end.

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