(670 The Score) New Texans receiver Anthony Miller feels his trade from Chicago to Houston was beneficial for both himself and the Bears, explaining that his relationship with the coaches and front office weren't in a healthy place.
"On both ends, we just felt it was best for the team," Miller told reporters in Houston on Friday. "I've had some tension with the coaches, tensions with (the front office). But they want me to succeed at the end of the day. I hope they have a great season as well. We broke it off. No bad blood. It was very professional."
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The Bears signed veteran receivers Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd this offseason, essentially making the 26-year-old Miller expendable. Chicago shopped Miller for several months before dealing him on July 24 in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round pick, with Houston also getting a 2022 seventh-round pick in the deal.
A second-round pick in 2018, Miller flashed potential at times during his three seasons with the Bears, hauling in 134 receptions for 1,564 yards and 11 touchdowns in that span. He had 49 catches for 485 yards and two scores in 2020.
But Miller's tenure in Chicago was underscored by his struggles to learn the Bears' offense, which led to frustrations for the coaching staff. His future with the organization came into further doubt in Chicago's loss at New Orleans in the wild-card round in January, when he was ejected for punching Saints cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson. It was the final straw for Miller with the Bears.
"Of course I regret that," Miller said. "I let that guy get under my skin to the point where I put hands on him. But it's a new Anthony Miller this year. I'm approaching everything very professional. It's an important year for me as well -- contract year."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.