Patriots Acquire TE Martellus Bennett via Trade With the Chicago Bears

The New England Patriots need help at various offensive positions. The running backs were inconsistent in 2015, the entire offensive line struggled, and the pass catchers not named Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman (at least when healthy) and Danny Amendola were quasi-non existent.

Therefore, today's news – first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter – that the team acquired Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett should not come as a surprise:

Wheeling and dealing continues: Bears are trading TE Martellus Bennett to Patriots for draft-pick compensation, league sources tell ESPN.

Teams finalizing deal, but Chicago and New England are expected to swap mid-to-late round picks in exchange for Martellus Bennett.

Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski now expected to give Patriots the double-TE threat they have lacked.

The 29-year old Bennett will instantly become New England's number two tight end behind Rob Gronkowski, in terms of pass catching ability. Last season, the eight-year veteran caught 53 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns and will look to improve this stat-line with a better quarterback throwing him the ball.

Given the price – a swap of mid-to-late round draft picks – this seems like a good deal for the Patriots.

UPDATE: Via Tom Curran, the current details of the deal look as follows:

Patriots will give up 4th and get back a 6th as well in Bennett deal. Late-round compensation still being worked out.