Bennett signs 4-year extension

Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett has some extra money to buy orange shoes.

Bennett agreed to a four-year contract extension Friday that will keep him in Chicago through 2015 barring any surprises. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bennett, 24, has thrived on third downs with his former Vanderbilt teammate, Jay Cutler. Bennett has 118 catches for 1,554 yards and six touchdowns in 46 games, including 19 starts.

In addition to his production on the field, Bennett also is one of the most popular players in the Bears' locker room. His eccentric fashion style has drawn friendly criticism from teammates, and he recently made headlines for wearing bright, orange shoes on game days despite an NFL rule that mandates players to wear predominantly black or white shoes.

Bennett was fined $5,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for the second offense.

Rumor has it that Cutler picked up the tab.

"That's the rumor," Cutler said slyly when he was asked about it afterward.

-Tom Musick