Bears trade TE Martellus Bennett to the Patriots

Martellus Bennett joins Rob Gronkowski as Tom Brady's top tight end options.

The Chicago Bears are trading tight end Martellus Bennett to the New England Patriots for draft-pick compensation, the Patriots announced.

The deal was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Bennett finished last season with 53 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns

In eight NFL seasons, he has recorded 23 touchdowns and 3,586 yards. Bennett has previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

The Bears have attempted to trade Bennett several times over the last 18 months, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

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He will now be paired with Rob Gronkowski as the second tight end option for quarterback Tom Brady.