Chicago Bears: Trade Spots To Ship Martellus Bennett
By Erik Lambert
Martellus Bennett is teetering on the cusp of wearing out his welcome with the Chicago Bears. Indeed, according to some he already has. After reaching a Pro Bowl in 2014, the 29-year old suffered a significant regression last season, finishing with fewer yards and touchdowns by far and failing to finish the season due to injury. That, however, is not why he may be done.
Rumors continue to persist that he’s becoming a problem off the field, having held out before the season over a contract squabble and then showing his displeasure over fewer targets in the passing, thanks in some part to the emergence of Zach Miller. Nobody is sure if he’s willing to put the team ahead of his own ambitions, which won’t sit well with John Fox and his coaching staff.
That is why trade buzz has persisted. When healthy he is a proven pass target who is also a credible blocker. It stands to reason there are some team out there who might have interest in acquiring him. Here are three to keep a close eye on.
Houston Texans
Outside of DeAndre Hopkins, the Houston Texans have few credible threats in the passing game, least of all at tight end. Ryan Griffin was not much of a game-changer. Given the likelihood that the team will try to bring in a new quarterback, they are obligated to provide him as many weapons as possible. Besides, they have the advantage of being the team that represents Bennett’s hometown (he was born in Houston). It would be a natural fit for him.
Atlanta Falcons
When it comes to using the tight ends, Matt Ryan is a fan. During the his greatest run of success with the Atlanta Falcons, he had a great option at the position in Tony Gonzalez. Since the veteran and future Hall of Famer retired, the Falcons offense hasn’t been the same. They need another option to take heat off Julio Jones. Bennett would like the idea of becoming the second-most credible target on the field before playing a snap. Coupled with playing indoors, it’s an easy sell.
Los Angeles Rams
On the surface it looks like the Los Angeles Rams would just be trading one tight end malcontent for another. That being said, Bennett has proven himself a much better player than Jared Cook. While Cook is athletic and has some speed to become a serious threat in the passing game, he’s never lived up to the sizable contract the Rams handed him a few years ago. Bennett is cheaper, more productive and more versatile given his blocking ability.