LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- With phase two of the voluntary offseason program in full swing, the status of Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett remains unresolved.
Bennett, who has two years left on his contract, missed the first month of voluntary workouts because he wants a new deal, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Sources also told Schefter the Bears were exploring trading Bennett, although general manager Ryan Pace told reporters draft weekend that Bennett has not approached the team demanding a trade.
The tight end is scheduled to earn a $4.9 million base salary in 2015 after leading all NFL tight ends in receptions (90) last season.
Bears head coach John Fox said on Sunday there is no real update regarding Bennett.
“As I mentioned before, the answer is not going to change much -- it is voluntary,” Fox said on the final day of rookie minicamp. “I prefer guys be here, but if they’re not, they’re not.”
Bears veterans, plus the 21 rookies under contract, return to work Monday to continue phase two of the offseason program. It’s unknown when Bennett plans to resume working out at Halas Hall, but the only mandatory portion of the offseason is the veteran minicamp in June. The Bears can fine Bennett if he skips that three-day session.