NFL Rumors: Zach Miller Choosing Chicago Bears Over Los Angeles Rams

NFL rumors have swirled around Zach Miller. The Los Angeles Rams have showed interest in the veteran tight end. Miller has visited with the franchise to see how he would be utilized and how much he would be paid. While the pitch is reportedly enticing to the former Arizona State Sun Devils star, Zach has decided that he doesn’t want to change jerseys. According to ESPN, Miller is signing a two-year contract to stay with the Chicago Bears.

When the Chicago Bears played the now Los Angeles Rams last season, Zach Miller tore them up. He had five catches, 107 yards and two touchdowns. That left quite the impression with Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and his staff, which includes two assistants who are familiar with Miller. Wide receivers coach Mike Groh worked with Zach in Chicago. Rams offensive coordinator Rob Boras was the tight ends coach when Miller was with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Martellus Bennett is upset with the Chicago Bears. He wants to be paid, and the team is not willing to meet his demands. Bears general manager Ryan Pace is currently shopping Bennett around to other NFL franchises. While no one has bitten yet, Chicago knows that the tight end position is now a priority. Along with Zach Miller, backup tight end Rob Housler also inked a deal to remain with the Bears.

With Martellus Bennett most likely in a new NFL jersey next season, the Chicago Bears are gambling that Zach Miller can handle the bulk of the load at the tight end position. Last year, the 30-year-old showed that he was capable of being productive. Miller has always had talent. That was never questioned. Zach simply has trouble staying on the football field because he has suffered an assortment of injuries since he’s been in the National Football League.

Zach Miller captured the hearts of Chicago Bears fans during a game against the San Diego Chargers last season. Down five points in the fourth quarter, the Bears called a deep passing play. Jay Cutler spotted Miller and launched a 25 yard pass to his tight end. Zach leaped up into the air and secured the ball with one hand. The touchdown enabled Chicago to get the lead and eventually the win, so Miller became quite the fan favorite.

The Chicago Bears have always wanted Zach Miller to stick around. However, the franchise did their due diligence in the chance that he decides to leave for another NFL team. The Bears visited with Jermaine Gresham. After spending five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals as their starting tight end, the veteran played for the Arizona Cardinals last season. Gresham didn’t like the four year offer from the Bears, so he decided to stay with the Cardinals for another season.

Even with Zach Miller and Rob Housler coming back, the Chicago Bears are still expected to use one of their selections in the upcoming NFL Draft on a tight end. Housler is 27 and Miller is 30, so management would like to have a guy coming out of college that they can groom behind the two veterans. Arkansas Razorbacks star Hunter Henry is considered by many to be the top tight end coming out of college this year, but the Bears might wait until the later rounds to find someone.

After years of watching Zach Miller struggle to make an impact in the NFL because of injuries, it’s good to see that he has finally found a home with the Chicago Bears. Miller is also finally going to be the featured tight end, so people in the National Football League will finally see what he can do.

[Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]