Martellus

Bennett

Clive Walford disappointed in Oakland’s starting tight end role last year, and Bennett’s combination of blocking and pass-catching ability makes him the top tight end on the open market. Signing Bennett would further bolster the Raiders’ running game and give them a strong red-zone target. Drop-plagued slot man Seth Roberts finished second on the team in red-zone targets last year.

We already knew about the Jaguars and Raiders’ interest, but the 49ers are new. Per reporter Ben Volin, Bennett is intrigued by the idea of playing in Silicon Valley.

Ian Rapoport previously reported it will be “hard” for the Patriots to re-sign Bennett, and Volin reports the Jaguars and Raiders are among the teams interested in him. Considering Bennett is easily the top tight end on the market, plenty of other teams will show interest as well. With Rob Gronkowski coming off another surgery, it makes a lot of sense for New England to bring Bennett back, but it looks like his price tag might be too high.

Following the trade of his brother Michael to New England, where Martellus played for two seasons, there were reports Bennett was considering a return to the NFL. Bennett seems to confirm he at least thought about a return, saying, “I would love to play ball with my brother it would truly be a dream come true,” but his real passion lies outside of football. “Scoring touchdowns winning a super bowl has never made me feel the way seeing kids/families/people enjoying things I have created,” Bennett wrote. “I’m doing my life’s work fulfilling what I believe to be my life’s purpose.”

Michael Bennett was traded to New England on Friday. Martellus spent 2016 and part of 2017 with the Patriots before retiring last spring. The tight end looked nearly done his final year in the league, but it is possible injury had a lot to do with that. Even if Rob Gronkowski returns, the Patriots could use some help at tight end. It would not be shocking if this happens.

Bennett missed Week 1 and the preseason finale with a high ankle sprain. He’ll return to compete with John Phillips for the backup job behind Jason Witten.

The Cowboys will wait to see “what kind of opportunity” Bennett may land on the open market. If the athletic 25-year-old can is promised a shot at a starting job, there’s no reason for him to return to Dallas behind iron man Jason Witten.

The Cowboys would like Bennett back as a backup to Jason Witten, but he’s eager to land his own starting job after four years on the bench. Although he’s admittedly shown more potential than production thus far, Bennett could end up as the most attractive tight end on the market at age 25.

Bennett has more upside than any tight end on the free agent market, so he may get his wish. “I want to be the No. 1 guy,” Bennett said. “I feel like I’m a 60-catch-plus guy on a team, so I want to be in a system where I could do (that).” Bennett is already one of the league’s top blocking tight ends. He has the size (6'6/267) and speed (4.6s) to be a receiving threat, as well.

Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bennett has also drawn immediate interest from the Bears, Raiders, and Buccaneers. The first visit is important, however, and the G-Men know Bennett well after facing him in the NFC East.