John Fox expects Martellus Bennett to remain a Bear

Martellus Bennett is on the trading block, but that doesn't mean he's on his way out of Chicago.

Bears coach John Fox was asked Thursday morning if he expects the tight end to be on the roster after the NFL draft.

"Yeah," Fox responded, per the Chicago Tribune.

When questioned whether Bennett is a long-term fit with the Bears the coach offered a vague response:

"That's kind of a tough question to answer on anybody. I don't know yet," he said.

Bennett has been a no-show for Chicago's offseason workouts. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that any team attempting to trade for the tight end does so knowing Bennett wants a contract extension.

"I'm really not paying attention to that kind of stuff. I'm just trying to prepare and have a great season with the Chicago Bears," Bennett said in an interview with NFL Media's Akbar Gbajabiamila on Wednesday. "If something should happen to change that, we'll then I'll have a great season somewhere else."

Bennett signed a four-year, $20.4 million deal with the Bears in 2013. In two seasons in Chicago, the 28-year-old pass-catcher hauled in 155 receptions for 1,675 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Bears lack a strong presence at tight end behind Bennett and this year's draft is light at the position.

The rumors swirling around Bennett's situation is standard around draft time, especially for a veteran player from a former regime who wants a contract extension.

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