While the Bears have yet to publicly commit to Brandon Marshall, the team will look at another receiver — Brian Hartline — Wednesday at Halas Hall, sources confirmed to the Sun-Times.
The former Dolphins receiver, released last week, had 474 receiving yards on 39 catches last season, and seemed to be marginalized after totaling 2,099 yards combined the previous two seasons.
Hartline, who turns 29 this upcoming season, would figure to be no higher than the Bears’ third receiver.
What is he, though, is a friend of Marshall’s, dating to their days in Miami. The Bears have yet to publicly commit to their star receiver; if they decide to release him, they must do so before his $7.5 million contract becomes guaranteed March 12.
“We’re definitely still friends, stay in touch,” Hartline said last season, before the Dolphins beat the Bears at Soldier Field. “And I’ve always been proud of Brandon, whether it be on the field or off the field. It’s great to call him friend and be there and kinda give each other some crap every now and then.”
The Dolphins haven’t ruled out a Hartline return, but didn’t want to pay his $5.95 million guarantee for next season. He was the team’s fourth option at receiver next season, but could return once he gauges his value on the open market.
Pro Football Talk first reported news of Hartline’s visit; he visited with the Browns on Tuesday.
