The Chicago Bears and Martellus Bennett are headed for a divorce. Whether it’s through a trade or an outright release, the days of Bennett in Chicago appear to be over.

According to the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, the writing has been on the wall since last year’s Thanksgiving game versus the Packers. Biggs sent out several tweets yesterday that shed some light on the Bennett situation:

Related Chicago Bears actively working on Martellus Bennett trade

Fully expect if #Bears cannot find trade partner for Martellus Bennett, that they end up releasing him. Some around NFL doubt trade happens. — Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 4, 2016

Bennett increasingly frustrated coaches and teammates and things got off the rails in practice before Thanksgiving game at #Packers — Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 4, 2016

Really would have been a surprise had it not come to this point. And this makes TE one of many priorities for #Bears — Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 4, 2016

Bennett has been one of the bright spots for the Bears offense since joining the team in 2013 as an unrestricted free agent. After spending time with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, Bennett’s game was elevated to Pro Bowl with Jay Cutler and company.

Since becoming the Bears’ general manager last year, Ryan Pace has not been shy when it comes to making trades. In a little over a year, Pace has traded away Brandon Marshall, Jared Allen, and Jon Bostic while trading for tight end Khari Lee.

Based on his track record, it seems like Pace is more than willing to part with productive veterans for mid-to-late day-three picks. Marshall was traded to the Jets for a fifth round pick, while both Bostic and Allen were dealt for sixth rounders (to the Patriots and Panthers respectively.) Pace sent a sixth rounder to the Texans to acquire Lee.

Do the math. Bennett will be traded for a sixth round pick.

I find it impossible to believe that if a team desires Bennett’s services, they’ll let him hit the free agent market; he’d be the most prized tight end in the class and, arguably, one of the market’s top overall offensive players.

It’s a shame that the marriage between Bennett and the Bears has to end like this. The Bears will have a major void at tight end as a result and will cause Pace to unexpectedly use resources — either via free agency or a draft pick — on a tight end.