Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller had a breakout season in 2015, and is looking for big contract this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, according to Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Miller is reportedly looking for $5 million per year in a new contract, and it's unlikely a deal will get done before he becomes a free agent in March. The Bears tight end finished the 2015 season with 34 receptions for 439 yards and scored five touchdowns. Miller didn't become a big receiving threat until midseason, but had a breakout performance against the Rams in November in which he caught five passes for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Miller was a sixth round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009, but didn't develop into passing threat until this past season. The Bears currently have tight end Martellus Bennett under contact for one more season, but he is coming off his worst season since arriving in Chicago three years ago.
The Kansas City Chiefs just gave a contract extension to Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce, but Miller is older and has not produced the same level of play as the Chiefs tight end. It will be interesting to see what Chicago's front office will do this offseason, as multiple key offensive playmakers are set to become unrestricted free agents this March. Both starting running back Matt Forte and star wide receiver Alshon Jeffery become unrestricted free agents, and will garner interest from plenty of teams across the league.
The Bears clearly need to make some major decisions regarding player personnel this offseason, and Miller will likely test the market as a free agent as he will look to get a big pay raise after completing his best season since entering the league.
