Earl Bennett earned $18 million extension

Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett earned his four-year, $18 million contract extension, building a strong track record since joining the team. Although Bennett has caught only 18 passes and a touchdown this year, he has been sidelined for five games due to injury

Bennett has developed into the chosen downfield target for starting quarterback Jay Cutler, catching 54 passes for 717 yards and two touchdowns two years ago.

Bennett was selected in the third round out of Vanderbilt in the 2008 NFL draft. > For more coverage of the NFL, go to profootball.scout.com. Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider