Brandon Marshall might not be long for the Chicago Bears.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Bears are exploring a potential trade of the talented wide receiver, according to a source informed of the team's plans. The effort to move Marshall is an attempt by new general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox to "clean up the locker room," according to Rapoport.
Marshall signed a four-year contract with the Bears last May, but appears to have fallen out of favor with the team following a 2014 season in which he was outspoken with the press and on social media and was involved in a well-publicized locker room incident during the season.
It's unclear if the Bears plan to release Marshall if they are unable to move him in a trade. A key date is March 12, when Marshall's 2015 base salary of $7.5 million becomes guaranteed. The Bears would create nearly $4 million in cap savings if they cut Marshall, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Marshall, who will turn 31 this month, remained a productive player in his third season in Chicago. He had 61 receptions for 721 yards and eight touchdowns before a rib injury ended his season in Week 14.
Moving Marshall represents a quick fix for a new Bears regime looking to change the culture in the locker room. The timing makes sense, too, with many options to be found in free agency and a rich draft class.
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