Today’s news that the Chicago Bears and the agent for Martellus Bennett were actively working together to find a trade partner for the all-pro tight end suggests that we’ve seen the last of No. 83 in a Bears’ uniform.

The departure of Bennett will be a significant loss for the Bears, who currently have only second-year undrafted free agent Khari Lee under contract for 2016. Last year’s breakout tight end, Zach Miller, is set to hit unrestricted free agency next week assuming no long-term deal is reached before then. Re-signing Miller is now one of the team’s top priorities.

Related Chicago Bears actively working on Martellus Bennett trade

The Bears will enter the free agency period with a glaring need at tight end, arguably as much so as any other position group on the team. Bennett is only two years removed from his 90 catch, All-Pro season and has been a critical target for Jay Cutler for the last three seasons.

Replacing Bennett will be a difficult, if not impossible, task.

The class of 2016 free agent tight ends is underwhelming at best. There are a few intriguing options that general manager Ryan Pace could consider, but it’s pretty obvious that this is not the year to have a need at the position.

Here are four possible tight end targets for the Bears to pursue in free agency:

Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers

Green has never been able to escape the gigantic shadow that Antonio Gates — who is also an unrestricted free agent — has cast in San Diego. The Chargers are likely to push hard at bringing Green back, especially because now is the time for him to secure the job outright. Green possesses a very appealing combination of size and above-average athletic ability, suggesting that he can become a viable and effective target in a passing attack if given the chance to run with starter’s reps. He’s only 25 years old; he’s barely scratched the surface of what his career can be.

Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts

Fleener appeared to finally be tapping into what was once considered top-tier potential in 2014, clicking with a healthy Andrew Luck to the tune of 51 catches for 774 yards and 8 TDs. He regressed in 2015, in part because Luck was hurt for an extended period of time. Fleener plays the tight end position like a wide receiver; he can stretch the middle of the field and challenge linebackers in coverage. At 27 years old, he still has plenty of upside to offer an offense with a very productive big-bodied “receiver.”

Jared Cook, Los Angeles Rams

Cook has been somewhat of a tease throughout his young career. Consistently pegged as a “breakout candidate,” the former South Carolina Gamecock has failed to string together a consistently productive resume. Cook is a gifted athlete who offers a unique ability to make plays down the field. At this point in his career, Cook is what he is: An underachieving athlete who will offer the occasional big play. Regardless of his career inconsistency, he’d still be the best tight end on the Bears roster should they decide to sign him.

Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts

Allen is the best all-around tight end in the free agent class; he’s equally effective as a blocker in the run game as he is a mid-level target in the passing game. He was constantly jockeying for reps with Fleener throughout his career as a Colt, and much like Ladarius Green, he could take a giant leap forward if given the chance to be the every-down starter.