Chicago Bears News: Start of Minicamp, Bennett, Long and More
Good morning, Bears fans! It is time to wake up on this Wednesday morning, and check out the latest Chicago Bears’ news and notes from around the internet. Here all the Bears’ news you need to know for Wednesday, June 16th, 2015.
Yesterday was the beginning of the Bears’ final minicamp of the off season. The three-day event will be the last tune-up for the team before they head to Bourbonnais for training camp on July 30th.
More from Chicago Bears News
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
The biggest story at the start of minicamp is the return of tight end Martellus Bennett, who sat out all of the voluntary team workouts up until this point this off season. Bennett has however, reported to this mandatory minicamp, with his contract issues seemingly behind him.
While he finally reported to the team, it would be a stretch to consider Bennett’s relationship with the team a good one. When asked about any “positive contact” with Bears’ new general manager Ryan Pace or head coach John Fox, Bennett gave an interesting reply.
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) makes a catch and runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ve talked to them here and there,” Bennett told reporters, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “So pretty much, I guess so. It just depends on what you consider good contact and not good contact.”
Coming off of a career year where he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time, Bennett thought he deserved a raise. Something that he thinks everybody should push for. “I think everybody should be lobbying for new contracts,” he said. “If your performance is at a high level and you’re performing to a high level, then you want to be compensated for the level that you’re playing at.”
It will be interesting to see how Bennett’s relationship with the Bears continues going forward. He is a very talented player who will make a difference on the Bears’ offense. If he decides to sit out, the loss would be felt.
Another big story in minicamp has been the possible position change for Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long. He has become one of the best offensive guards in the NFL, but the Bears have flirted with the idea of moving him outside.
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin guard Kyle Long of the Chicago Bears (75) defends against Team Carter of the Buffalo Bills defensive tackle
Marcell Dareus(99) in the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Long has the quickness and athleticism to have a ton of success on the outside, and according to John Mullin of CSNChicago, the Bears are continuing to give Long reps at right tackle.
Jordan Mills has been the Bears’ starting RT for the past two seasons, and he has been sitting out with an injury. This could be the Bears just giving themselves other options, but I think a full-time move to RT for Long would be a wise move. He has absolutely massive upside on the outside.
Emilio Almodovar over at Da Windy City takes a look at whether the Bears’ defense can return to their dominant ‘Monsters of the Midway’ days.
Jeff Dickerson of ESPN says that Jay Cutler feels positive about where the Bears’ offense stands. Fox’s additions of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Adam Gase will give different looks than what we are used to seeing on both sides of the ball.
Cutler feels great about what Gase is doing to the offense so far. “I feel great about the offense we’re in right now. I know the guys like it. I know the receivers like it. Martellus Bennett is going to love it when he gets involved in it, Cutler said according to Dickerson. “We just have to keep heading in the direction we are going and keep studying. We are not where we want to be yet.”
Today, the Bears enter day two of their minicamp, and it will be interesting to see what stories come next. Have a great day, Bears fans. Bear Down!
Next: Will Bears' Offense Return to Elite Status?