Every GM has their preferences when it comes to a certain position group. For one reason or another they just always seem to be adding to it each year. For Ryan Pace of the Chicago Bears, it looks like that position is the tight end. It seems like every off-season be it free agency, the draft or undrafted free agency that group is seeing a new face arrive. Last year was a shining example when they signed Dion Sims and drafted Adam Shaheen.
It seems the turnover is set to continue too. Shaheen looks like the starter moving forward for the Bears, but the rest of the depth chart is surrounded by questions. Longtime veteran Zach Miller is coming off a catastrophic knee injury. It’s hard to imagine the Bears keeping him after that, especially since he’s 33-years old. Sims was largely a bust in 2017. His blocking was adequate but he disappointed as a receiver. They may cut him for cap relief. Veteran Dan Brown is coming out of contract.
So the odds grow likely they might look to add more punch alongside Shaheen at that position. Based on the latest rumors, they already have a name picked out.
Chicago Bears seen as heavy competitors for emerging TE Trey Burton
The free agent market for tight ends isn’t overly strong this year. That said there are some potentially strong names worth exploring. A growing favorite among experts is Trey Burton. Despite playing as a backup to Zach Ertz all season in Philadelphia, he managed to make a significant impact on his team with 248 yards and five touchdowns.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
The 26-year old former undrafted free agent looks ready for a larger role on offense. Noted draft specialist and insider Chad Forbes believes Chicago is ready to give it to him.
Told on #Bears pursuit of Allen Robinson not to underestimate recruiting pitch new RBs Coach Charles London will offer. Expected to add multiple WRs and considered front runners for highly coveted FA Trey Burton.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 17, 2018
I reached out to my own sources to see if this was the case. I was told this was indeed the case. He’s one of their primary targets this March.
Burton seems like such a classic Pace move. He’s younger, trending up in his career and likely won’t cost top tier money to get. Pairing him with Shaheen would certainly give the Bears offense more flexibility and another major red zone threat. Head coach Matt Nagy became a specialist at using tight ends in Kansas City. All-Pro Travis Kelce had the two best seasons of his career both years Nagy was the offensive coordinator.
This may not be a blockbuster move but if it’s another receiving weapon they want, Burton would be a significant upgrade over what they got last year with Sims.
