NFL Free Agency: Martellus Bennett Signs With Chicago Bears

Dec 16, 2012; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) runs the ball as Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Akeem Dent (52) tries to make a tackle during the second half at The Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Giants 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

In a rather aggressive move, the Chicago Bears have agreed in principle with free agent TE Martellus Bennett for a four year deal, as he himself formally announced to everyone on Twitter:

The terms of the deal have not been announced just yet, but this is still a serious upgrade to one of the Bears’ biggest weaknesses on offense, and that was the lack of a dynamic, all-round player at TE. Bears fans will note how badly Kellen Davis performed, and even Phil Emery described his disappointment in Davis’s season. Prior to the 2012 season, Martellus Bennett posted similar stats to Kellen Davis with the Dallas Cowboys, and was valued more as a blocking type TE than a receiving TE. However, once given the chance to be the featured TE with the division rival New York Giants, his stats soared as he would record 55 receptions for 626 yards, and 5 TDs. Now, that’s a red flag in its own right, seeing how he had only 1 good season stats wise. On the other hand, considering how he produced more receiving yards last season by himself when compared to the entire Bears’ TE corps, he really adds a much needed target for QB Jay Cutler.

Bottom line, the Chicago Bears acted extremely aggressive to address an immediate area of need, and that was the TE position. Now, the Chicago Bears can focus on their top need, and re-build their OL. However, one other situation to observe now, is Bears’ LB Brian Urlacher. No new deal has been announced just yet for their veteran starter, it has been speculated the Bears want him back, though. NFL Free Agency has just started, so stay tuned…