Martellus Bennett tweeted Monday night what at first glance appeared to be an announcement of his departure from the Bears, but in reality the tweet may have had nothing to do with his future at all.
There’s been a lot of speculation about Bennett’s future with the Bears recently, and the tight end may have inadvertently added fuel to the fire:
But rather than a farewell to Chicago, Bennett’s tweet was likely related to his previous tweet, which referenced a recent movie night with “Kids Club” members at Halas Hall.
Either way, it was enough to send Twitter into a frenzy.
@MartysaurusRex Damn man, we gonna miss you too. Thanks 4 all.
— Joshúa Maya (@PlaysOfTheWeek) February 16, 2016
@MartysaurusRex Good Luck MB! You will land where you are appreciated! Love to see you in AZ!
— CryptoBookClub (@BillLatin) February 16, 2016
@MartysaurusRex follow Forte to New England!
— M. Braun (@MBraun99) February 16, 2016
@MartysaurusRex If you're leaving the #Bears good luck! Don't listen to the haters. You will be missed...
— Toady🍊 (@Toady22) February 16, 2016
@MartysaurusRex you were one of the top talents we've seen in Chicago in years. God bless in all you do!!!
— Edward Roberts (@EdRoberts3299) February 16, 2016
@MartysaurusRex damn much love. Best of luck wherever you sign.
— JSmithTheMyth (@DaBears3487) February 16, 2016
Bennett has another year left on the four-year deal he signed with the Bears in 2013, but his relationship with the team has apparently soured after not being rewarded with a new contract following a career year in 2014.
A disappointing season in 2015 left some wondering whether the Bears would cut ties with Bennett, who will count $6.3 million against the cap in 2016.
The emergence of Zach Miller might make moving on from Bennett possible. Miller had a breakout season in 2015, catching five touchdown passes.
If the tweet is a farewell, he’s the second Bears player this offseason to announce his departure from Chicago via social media.
Matt Forte announced last week that the Bears informed him they don’t plan to resign him.
Stats via Pro-Football-Reference