Marcellus Bennett apparently isn't happy with his Bears contract, but he's not in a strong position to get a raise after finishing last season on injured reserve. Things could be headed for a divorce, with Bennett ending up with a new team, and Zach Miller as the team's top tight end.
One team reporter thinks the Bears will move on from Bennett, one way or another. That would benefit Miller, a free agent who's expected back with the team.
Miller is probably hoping to cash in on his career season (half-season). But Miller is 31, has battled injuries throughout his career and seems likeliest to get paid by Chicago. He also has expressed a desire to stay with the Bears. Lot of ifs here, but Miller could become an intriguing fantasy tight end as the team's top option.
Together, Bennett and Miller combined for big numbers: 87 catches for 878 yards and 8 TDs. Miller's portion of that (34-439-5) is particularly impressive when you consider he barely played in the team's first eight games. In those he caught just 5 passes for 58 yards, but that was capped by catching the game-winning touchdown at San Diego in Week 9.
In the team's next seven games (he missed Week 17), four of which Bennett didn't play in, Miller caught 29 passes for 381 yards and 4 TDs. That included four games with at least 5 receptions and 57 yards. Stretched out over a full season he'd have approached 900 yards and scored 8 TDs on his own. If he can stay healthy, anyway.
Chicago's receiver injuries benefited Miller, no doubt, but he's a guy to keep in mind when next season rolls around.
--Andy Richardson
