The Facts: The Bears agreed in principle on terms Tuesday to sign Bennett, according to an NFL source, making the tight end the club's first acquisition in 2013 free agency. Terms of the deal weren't immediately disclosed. Bennett is scheduled to meet with the Bears on Tuesday night, according to the source.
Diehards Line:Bennett, 26, experienced a breakout season in 2012, when he caught a career-high 55 passes for 626 yards and five touchdowns, in addition to showing consistency as a run blocker. The Giants made a late push to re-sign Bennett before the free-agency signing period, according to sources, but it's unknown whether the Bears could swoop in and land him. Selected in the second round of the 2008 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Bennett signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million going into the 2012 season. New Bears coach Marc Trestman and his offensive staff made it clear upon arrival that the team will now stress versatility from the tight end position. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Bears targeted a tight end on fewer passes (66) than any team in the NFC, and finished with the fewest receptions (33) in the league from the position. When the tight ends did manage to catch a pass, they averaged 3.4 yards after the catch, which ranked 28th in the NFL. Look for that to change.