The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Bears declined to commit to Marshall when asked about the veteran wide receiver last month and now the team is exploring trade options five days before the start of the new league year. One NFL source said the Bears are shopping Marshall with the idea of moving him. Another source said his belief is the team is taking calls in regard to Marshall. Trades cannot be finalized until 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Diehards Line:According to Tribune staffer Brad Biggs, the key date to keep in mind with Marshall is Thursday, March 12. That is when his base salary of $7.5 million for 2015 becomes fully guaranteed. It's not known what the Bears are seeking in exchange for Marshall, who will turn 31 at the end of the month. It's also unknown if the team would consider releasing Marshall instead of locking into the contract for the coming season. If the Bears move on from Marshall, it will put them in the market for a starter at the position opposite similarly big-bodied wide receiver in Alshon Jeffery, who is entering the final year of his contract. It's expected to be a very good draft for wide receivers and the team was reported to have hosted free agent Brian Hartline on a visit Wednesday.