Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago expects the Bears to address WR Brandon Marshall‘s contract situation at some point in the year, but isn’t sure if anything will get done before the start of the 2014 season.
Wright mentions that Chicago would likely have to “put up even bigger money” if they were to allow him to play out the final year of his contract.
As things stand right now, Marshall will count $9.3 million against the Bears’ 2014 salary cap, so an extension now could offer them some cap relief in the time being.
According to Wright, Marshall could be in line for a deal in the range of three to five years, and worth “at the very least what he’s making right now.”
Marshall, 29, signed a five-year, $47.3 million contract that included $24 million guaranteed with Chicago back in 2010. He’ll make $9.1 million for the 2014 season.
The most recent contract signed by receiver that offers a similar annually salary is the deal the Vikings gave to Greg Jennings last year — five years, $45 million total, $9 million average and $17.8 million.
Wright adds that the Bears still have “more pressing needs” to address at this point in time, so we’ll have to see talks gets started at some point during the summer.
Marshall, is coming off of an extremely productive 2013 season in which he totaled 100 receptions for 1,295 and a career high 12 touchdowns.
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