The Facts: Marshall said he met with new GM Ryan Pace and new HC John Fox on Jan. 21. He understood why they assured him nothing about his future with the team, given their priorities to finalize the coaching staff and familiarize themselves with the scouting staff. "I don't think anybody would be (comfortable) sitting in the gray, but this is the National Football League,” Marshall said. “This is our business. It’s not a unique situation. It happens every single year."

Diehards Line: Marshall, who turns 31 in March, reiterated he wants to retire as a member of the Bears. He signed a new four-year contract last May. The Bears would save $7.7 million in cash and $3.95 million in 2015 salary cap space if they released him before March 12. But the Bears have a favorable salary-cap outlook for next season, so that should not be the catalyst for any decision about his future. Marshall’s 61 catches and 721 receiving yards last season were his lowest totals since his rookie year in 2006. After totaling 2,803 yards, 218 catches and 23 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Bears, injuries hampered him. He played in only 13 games. He played through a high right ankle sprain that he suffered in the season opener, and he suffered a season-ending collapsed lung and broken ribs against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 4. Marshall indicated he's eager to work again with new Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was his position coach with the Denver Broncos in 2009. ... Stay tuned.