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Signing tight end Miller a priority for Bears

Seventh in a series on the Bears and their needs in the NFL draft.

After a hot start, Martellus Bennett grew disenchanted with his diminishing role in the Chicago Bears' passing game last season, then missed the final four games and five of the last six with a rib injury.

As a result, the 28-year-old tight end finished with his least productive season in four years.

Bennett has expressed dissatisfaction with his four-year, $20.4-million contract, which has a year left. He skipped the voluntary portion of last year's off-season program but returned to start the season with 24 catches for 201 yards in the first four games.

Given more opportunities with Bennett hobbled, 31-year-old reserve Zach Miller responded with by far the best season of his injury-interrupted six-year career.

Tight ends

Starter: Martellus Bennett, Zach Miller.

Backups: Khari Green, Rob Housler.

Unrestricted free agents: Miller, Housler.

Bennett's 53 receptions were second on the team to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery's 54, but they produced just 439 yards. Bennett's 8.3 yards per catch average was the second lowest of his eight-year career and 2 yards below his career average.

But the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Bennett still is one of the NFL's more complete tight ends and can be a force as a run blocker or pass protector, although he clearly prefers contributing as a receiver.

Miller (6-5, 240) always has been considered much more of a pass-catching tight end, and he enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 with career bests of 34 catches, 439 yards, a 12.9-yard average per catch and 5 TD receptions.

Miller, who had a one-year deal for $660,000 last season, will be a priority re-signing, especially if the Bears doubt Bennett's commitment. Miller has expressed a strong desire to remain in Chicago.

Lee was one of nine rookies, including five who were undrafted, to start at least one game for the Bears. Lee started seven times as an extra tight end but had just 1 reception for 7 yards. He was used primarily as an extra run blocker.

Housler (6-5, 250) is a five-year veteran who was signed late in the season after Bennett and Miller were banged up. He has 27 career starts and 106 receptions for 1,139 yards.

Draft need: moderate.

Feeling a draft: There are no first-round prospects this year, but Arkansas' Hunter Henry is the consensus best in the class with the size-athleticism combination to play as a conventional tight end or as a move, H-back type.

• Follow Bob on Twitter @BobLeGere.

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Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.comMartellus Bennett, who didn't play the last four games of the season due to a rib injury, still has one year remaining on his four-year deal with the Bears.
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