Chicago Bears fans were treated to an unexpected sight on Sunday. Adam Shaheen, the former 2nd round pick from 2017 was declared a healthy scratch before the Lions game. This was a shock considering how ineffective the tight end position has been this season. It’s not like the Bears had other, better options ready. So why the change? Head coach Matt Nagy didn’t really address that after the game.
However, that changed when he arrived for his Monday press conference. Bears media asked him directly about why Shaheen was made inactive. Nagy, who remember isn’t known for criticizing players openly, had some serious words for the tight end. Words that were not hard to read into at all.
“We want all of our players to be able to be completely detailed and play hard and do everything they can to be the best player they can be.”
By the sound of that, it’s clear Nagy hasn’t been satisfied with Shaheen’s effort level this year. He isn’t working hard enough or paying attention to the details in order to make himself better. It probably wasn’t a good look when Ben Braunecker, his backup throughout his career, scored an 18-yard touchdown in his first extended action as a starter.
Matt Nagy couldn’t save Shaheen from himself
The fact of the matter is Shaheen doesn’t want it enough. He’s an undoubted athlete with so much potential. However, like so many prior high draft choices, what separated him from the Rob Gronkowski’s of the world was what’s between his ears and what’s tucked in his chest. He never seemed to carry himself like a guy who refused to be denied. Instead he seemed like another in a long line of players who thought they could lean on their pure physical talent and be successful in the NFL.
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It doesn’t work that way.
Smart money says that Shaheen will remain on the bench barring a significant injury elsewhere at the position. His time in Chicago appears drawing to an end. With one year left on his rookie contract and a chance to secure $1.27 million in cap space, the Bears are almost sure to cut him this offseason. Unless they can find a trade partner which feels unlikely. It’s just another of several notable disappointments for GM Ryan Pace at that position.
