National Football League

Bennett says he's joining Bears

Published Mar. 14, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

One of the NFL’s top tight ends had a new contract just one minute into Tuesday’s free-agent signing period.

Profootballfocus.com first reported that Martellus Bennett will be leaving the New York Giants for the Chicago Bears.

Bennett quickly confirmed the news on his Twitter account (@JoeGryffindor).

“I'm proud to say I'll be joining my other brother (Brandon Marshall) next season. #BEARDOWN,” Bennett wrote.

Bennett and Marshall, a Bears wide receiver, aren’t related but close friends.

In what may be an attempt to skirt the NFL’s threat of punishment for contracts agreed upon before the official start of the free-agent signing period, Bennett later added, “No deal done. Just know that’s where I wanna be.”

Bennett, 26, is coming off a career-best season with the Giants after spending his first four NFL seasons with Dallas. Bennett caught 55 passes for 626 yards and five touchdowns.

Barring a free-agent signing, the Giants seem prepared to give 2012 fourth-round draft pick Adrien Robinson the chance to win the starting position in training camp.