Martellus Bennett

Martellus Bennett's time in Chicago may be up.

The Chicago Bears' decision to place Bennett on injured reserve on Tuesday could signal the end of a productive three-year run for the outspoken tight end.

There are multiple reasons for a potential split. The most obvious factor: money.

Bennett has one year left on his contract, but he wants a more lucrative deal. He proved that when he skipped the entire voluntary portion of the offseason program in search of new money or a trade.

The Bears failed to budge and Bennett had no choice but to play for Chicago in 2015. That doesn't mean he won't try again next offseason. And once again, the Bears are expected to deny his request for an extension. But at this point, both sides might be ready for a clean break.