The expected roster changes for the Chicago Bears will start with wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
According to a report from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, new Bears head coach John Fox and GM Ryan Pace have decided that the mercurial receiver is not part of the team's future and are now exploring NFL trade options ahead of the new league year, set to open on March 10.
"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," writes Biggs.
Marshall's $7.5 million salary for 2015 becomes fully guaranteed should he remain on the roster by Thursday, March 12.
Biggs reports that potential compensation for Marshall is not yet known.
"One source said the Bears potentially could move him for a mid-round pick. It's unknown if the team would consider releasing Marshall instead of locking into the contract for the coming season."
The Bears originally added Marshall via a trade with the Miami Dolphins in March 2012. Chicago sent two third-round draft picks to Miami in exchange for the big possession receiver.
This is not the first time the notion of moving Marshall has been floated. Rumors of his potential demise have existed for months, but now, with the report from Biggs, there is actual confirmation of the Bears' intent to move on.
Marshall has five Pro Bowl selections to his name, two of which came with Chicago. He finished last year, an injury-plagued campaign that saw him suit up for only 13 games, with 61 receptions for 721 yards and eight touchdowns.
Former Bears GM Phil Emery handed Marshall a contract extension prior to last season.
If the Bears release him outright, they'll save $7.7 million in cash and create $3.95 million in cap room. He would count for $5.625 million in dead money for 2015.
