Bears' Fox on Bennett: 'I prefer guys be here, but if they're not, they’re not'
Chicago Bears head coach John Fox doesn't have any news to report on disgruntled tight end Martellus Bennett.
The Pro Bowl tight end is under contract for the next two seasons, but is looking for a new deal. The Bears have reportedly explored trading the talented 28-year-old, and his continued absence appears to be annoying the incoming head coach.
"As I mentioned before, the answer is not going to change much - it is voluntary,” Fox said, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN. “I prefer guys be here, but if they're not, they’re not."
The second phase of the Bears' offseason workouts continues Monday and Bennett is not expected to join his teammates. He's scheduled to earn $4.9 million in 2015 as a base salary.
Bennett led all tight ends with 90 receptions in 2014 and tallied a career-high six touchdowns on an underachieving Bears offense. There are a number of teams in need of tight end help, but Bennett is already carrying a high price tag.
Still, a trade seems more likely than a new contract at this point.