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Chicago Bears NFC North
Trade Details
PATS PICK UP STAR TE BENNETT FROM BEARS Thursday, March 17, 2016
The New England Patriots acquired tight end Martellus Bennett and a 6th-round draft pick in 2016 from the Chicago Bears for a 4th-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the New England Patriots?
New England strikes again. This is a steal of a deal for the Pats, as Bennett is (talent-wise at least) one of the top ten pass-catching tight ends in the game. Pairing him with superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski makes Bennett even better, and provides matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Head coach Bill Belichick loves featuring tight ends in the offense, and Bennett is a strong upgrade over now-gone Scott Chandler. Great move by New England.
What does it give the Chicago Bears?
This is mostly a cost-cutting maneuver for the Bears, who slash just over $5 million in salary cap space with this deal. The team seemed to sour a bit last season on the star tight end, and the Bears' recent signings of Zach Miller and Rob Housler should mostly fill the pass-catching void left by Bennett's departure. Chicago and QB Jay Cutler will miss some of his playmaking ability, however.
Fantasy Impact
Bennett gets a major fantasy boost with this move, since he might conceivably double his yardage and touchdown numbers with Tom Brady throwing to him (and Gronk drawing defenders from him). The deal probably means a slight downgrade for Gronkowski, but not by much. Bennett's arrival also likely hurts the fantasy fortunes of wideout Danny Amendola, who (on paper at least) now looks like New England's fourth or fifth receiving option. On the Chicago side of things, Rob Housler and especially Zach Miller both get bump-ups thanks to the trade, with Miller looking like an excellent fantasy sleeper for '16.
Player Focus

to New England Patriots

to Chicago Bears
a 6th-round draft pick in 2016
Martellus Bennett
a 4th-round draft pick in 2016