ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier in the day that the Bears are fielding trade offers for TE Martellus Bennett.
Bennett is reportedly looking for a new contract and was discussed a potential option for the Seahawks before they acquired Jimmy Graham from the Saints.
According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, the Ravens could make sense as a trade partner for Bennett, as they need a pass-catching tight end. Bennett is, of course, familiar with Marc Trestman’s offensive system, so it would be a seamless transition for him if he were to end up in Baltimore.
Hensley points out that the Ravens have the means to make this kind of move, considering that they have 10 draft picks to work with in 2015.
However, Hensley mentions that the viability of a trade is likely to come down to whether the Ravens want to make a financial commitment to Bennett.
One other trade possibility for the Ravens could be Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew, according to Hensley.
Bennett, 28, still has two years remaining on his four-year, $20.4 million contract that included $5.215 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $4.9 million (2015) and $5.085 million (2016) over the remainder of the contract.
According to OverTheCap.com, trading Bennett would free up $3,875,000 in available cap space while creating $2,250,000 in dead money.
In 2014, Bennett appeared in all 16 games for the Bears and caught 90 passes for 916 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 6 tight end out of 67 qualifying players.
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