Is Martellus Bennett Oakland-bound? There is “heavy mutual interest” between the tight end and the Raiders, a source tells Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald (on Twitter). The Raiders’ interest in him has been known for about a week now, but it sounds like things are getting serious today. 
On Wednesday night, we learned that the Bills and Giants are among the clubs who are also in pursuit of Bennett. The Titans and Lions are also known to be fishing for help at the position, but it’s not clear if they have Bennett in their sights.
Bennett wants seeking $9MM annually and he just might get that as the offseason’s No. 1 available tight end. He had a solid contract year, recording 701 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for New England as Rob Gronkowski‘s fill-in. This week, Jack Doyle re-signed with the Colts for nearly $7MM per season, and that should help his market. On the flipside, the Patriots are already known to be out of the bidding after acquiring Dwayne Allen via trade.
Bennett seemingly has every right to ask for $9MM, but a report last month indicated a “real possibility” that Bennett won’t be returning to the Patriots in 2017. Now that New England has acquired Dwayne Allen, Bennett is almost assuredly not returning to the Patriots.
Bennett ranks as PFR’s No. 20 overall free agent and top available tight end.