The Chicago Bears' defense fell from questionable to awful in 2013 when defensive tackle Henry Melton went down with a knee injury.
The team's best interior lineman said Tuesday that he isn't sure of the odds of returning to Chicago.
"I honestly have no clue," Melton told the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs. "I've had positive conversations. It's kind of like the draft. You have positive conversations with a lot of teams. They like you but you're definitely not sure until it happens."
The Bears have exclusive rights to negotiate with Melton until March 8. The team has yet to extend a contract offer to Melton's agent, according to the report. Melton will not get the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, Biggs reported.
The 27-year-old defensive tackle said he's started sprinting and is "80 to 90 percent" in workouts after having surgery on his left ACL in October. Melton said he works out daily at the Bears' practice facility and would enjoy a chance to remain in Chicago.
"All the coaches have said some real positive things," Melton said. "I am just waiting to see what is going to happen. I'm all for staying here."
The Bears are remaking their entire defense, but general manager Phil Emery has kept those plans close to the vest. Even though Melton is coming off a knee injury, he should garner plenty of attention if the Bears let him hit the open market.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Cowboys and Raiders.
