Bears Trade Bennett To Patriots

By The Chicago Tribune

Martellus Bennett’s future with the Chicago Bears was likely sealed by the end of last season, and when Zach Miller was re-signed Monday, it made it a matter of when and not if the team would unload the veteran tight end.

That happened Wednesday as the Bears traded Bennett to the New England Patriots, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Bears are sending Bennett and a six-round draft pick (204th overall) to the Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick (127th overall). The sixth-round pick was originally the Patriots', which the Bears acquired last year in the Jon Bostic trade. This move is similar to how the team dumped wide receiver Brandon Marshall a year ago in a trade with the New York Jets. In other words, the Bears shipped off Bennett to move up 77 spots in the draft.

Bennett finished last season on injured reserve but not before he ruffled feathers. He created a disturbance in practice before the Thanksgiving game at Green Bay and wound up not making the trip with the team. The Bears ruled him out that week with a rib injury. Teammates privately complained about Bennett and one said the situation grew worse than it was with Marshall.

The Patriots will pair him with All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and bank on the culture in New England directed by coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady helping Bennett click. It’s not known if the Patriots will give Bennett the new contract he has been seeking. His deal runs through the 2016 season and calls for him to make $5.185 million.

Bennett caught 53 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns last season. In 2014, he led all tight ends with 90 receptions when he added 916 yards and six touchdowns and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate. The Bears originally signed Bennett to a four-year contract in 2013 when then-general manager Phil Emery brought him and left tackle Jermon Bushrod in at the same time.

The Patriots will be the fourth organization for Bennett, 29, who spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and one year with the New York Giants.

Browns Release Dansby, Bowe

The Cleveland Browns released linebacker Karlos Dansby and veteran wide receiver Dwayne Bowe on Wednesday.

"We want to thank Karlos for his service to the Cleveland Browns during the past two seasons," Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said in a statement. "He was a dedicated, hard-working leader of our defense and we wish him the best as he continues his career."

The Browns informed Dansby of the pending move shortly after they announced the signing of Demario Davis as a free agent from the Jets.

"They explained it to me when they called," Dansby said before his release was announced. "It's a rebuilding process. I'm cool with that decision. I'm just glad they gave me the opportunity to go see what else is out there for me."

The Browns' leading tackler last season, Dansby was one of the first big-money free agents signed by the team and former general manager Ray Farmer.