The tight end position has been a struggle the past few seasons for the Chicago Bears.
After trading away Greg Olsen, a favorite target of Jay Cutler, the Bears haven’t established a threat at that position since.
Last year, tight ends Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth combined for 25 receptions, 258 yards and just 3 touchdowns.
It was ugly at times for Davis who couldn’t hang on to passes from quarterback Jay Cutler and eventually led to his departure from Chicago.
That production wasn’t enough for the Bears offense and it was obvious changes were needed.
Then came this off-season where the Bears had to address their need at the position and find someone who could give them a threat at the tight end position. Something they haven’t been able to do since the departure of Olsen.
It was clear that then offensive coordinator Mike Martz had no role for Olsen in his offense. That lead to Olsen being traded to the Carolina Panthers and Cutler losing a target who could stretch the field.
Now insert former Dallas Cowboy and New York Giant Martellus Bennett who looks to become one of the leagues best and a reliable target for the strong armed Cutler.
The 6-foot-7, 248-pound Bennett had his best season with the Giants last year. He finished with 55 receptions for 626 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were better than both Bears tight ends combined last season.
It certainly looks like the Bears are at least trying to improve at the position with the acquisition of Bennett.
With a new offensive philosophy brought in by first year head coach Marc Trestman, this Bears offense needs to produce. And it needs to produce quickly and effectively.
In steps Martellus Bennett’s role with the Chicago Bears.
The big and physical tight end should serve as a nice down field threat in the passing game and a player who can stretch the field for the Bears.
With attention focused on wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Bennett could become another favorite target for Cutler who early in mini-camp looked to establish some rhythm with Bennett.
Something that Cutler didn’t form with Spaeth and Davis last season.
Dropped passes hurt the Bears passing game last season and bringing in Bennett could help avoid that next year. Especially on drives that were stalled because of drops.
With the Bears looking to move forward with a steady and explosive passing threat in their offense, Bennett could be the right tight end to fit that system.
The Bears expect Bennett to come in and make an impact right away. With many considering him an improvement over last seasons tight ends, Bennett needs to be big for the Bears if they want to have a successful air attack.
It could be a big season for the new Bears tight end.