Chicago Bears pending free agents: Who should return?

Zach Miller — Tight End

Miller got a chance to show what he could do and he responded by having a career year. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the eighth-best tight end in their final 2015 ranking.

Now Miller is looking to cash in on his performance. He may think he has some leverage on the Bears, since he is reportedly looking for a $5 million per year contract. The number one tight end for the Bears, Martellus Bennett, is looking for a new contract, but the Bears do not look like they will satisfy his need for that.

The Bears could look to move on from Bennett, which would cause a serious problem with depth.

Miller will turn 32 during the 2016 season. It is not a good idea to give him a big contract at that age. Look at the situation with Forte. If the Chicago Bears won’t pay a premium for Forte, why would they do it for Miller?

In 2015, NFL teams spent an average of $6.5 million. Take away the biggest spenders and that average drops to $5.1 million. That is for the ENTIRE position, not just one player.

The Bears cannot spend that on a 32-year-old with a history of injury.

Whatever happens, the Bears will most likely draft a tight end. They can have their scouts look for a good player who can be controlled for a few seasons. They could also go through free agency and find a player, the same way they found Bennett (say what you want about his personality, he was productive on the field).

If Miller is indeed looking for that big payday and is not flexible, then the Bears need to let him walk. He was playing for a contract in 2015, and there is nothing on his resume that suggests he could repeat that performance. If he opts for an incentive-laden contract, then something may be done.

Next: He Is Just Too Valuable To Let Go