Bears TE Martellus Bennett: 'I’m not even worried about a contract'

BOURBONNAIS – When it came to his business endeavors this offseason, tight end Martellus Bennett enjoyed some success on a personal level, but was forced to swallow his pride through one obvious failure.

After sitting out the voluntary portion of the Bears’ offseason program, Bennett has apparently come to better terms with his reality: a new deal with the Bears isn’t coming his way anytime soon.

“It’s just business,” Bennett said Thursday after the first day of practice at Olivet Nazarene University. “I have no hard feelings against anybody. Some business deals go the way you want. I have several business deals this offseason that worked and didn’t work out.

“For me, [the pursuit of new contract was] just another business deal, and then that’s just the way it is. Some deals get done, some don’t. Still got to come work and do my job.”

Bennett definitely toned down his language from his last meeting with media members at minicamp, when he said “every American” should be after a new contract.

On Wednesday, coach John Fox said he had gotten to know Bennett some during his three-day mandatory minicamp in June. General manager Ryan Pace also seemed pleased that Bennett joined quarterback Jay Cutler and other teammates in Nashville, Tennessee for workouts.

“They got all season to get to know me — I’m available,” Bennett said. “So I think they have a grasp for who I am. I think a lot of it is a he-say-heresay-she-say or whatever it may be. Overall, I think it’s been good.”

Still, Bennett’s actions remain must-watch theater at training camp and into the season. Fox’s and Pace’s comments about Bennett were terse, and Bennett’s history is full of headline-worthy material.

The driving argument behind Bennett’s contract dispute also hasn’t changed. He still has two years remaining on a deal that isn’t line with some of the best at his position.

Bennett was asked if he was given any indication that his contract could be upgraded this season based on his performance.

“Not even that,” said Bennett, who went to his first Pro Bowl last season after leading tight ends with 90 catches. “I just go ball, man. Only thing I can do is control what I can control, and the only thing I can control is my performance on the field.”

Bennett acknowledged that he may be a “leg behind” his teammates after skipping most of the offseason work. But he considers himself a quick learner.

“I don’t think anyone has the offense down,” he said.

A big season could be coming for Bennett should he fall in line with the Bears’ new coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

Tight end Julius Thomas became a star in Denver with Gase calling the plays, catching 12 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.

“I’m not even worried about a contract right now,” Bennett said. “Right now, I’m just coming out here like every other guy out here just trying to make as many plays as I possibly can — outdo what I did last year and it will address itself.”

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Email: ajahns@suntimes.com