Chicago Bears – Remaining Free Agents (Offensive Skill Players)

Tight End

Tony Moeaki, Seahawks (27 | 6’3 | 252) – As a rookie in 2010 it looked like Moeaki was going to be a solid TE in the league (47, 556, 3), but he hasn’t been healthy since. Moeaki missed 2011 with an ACL injury, then looked good in 2012 (33, 453, 1), before missing 2013 with a shoulder injury. That injury kept Moeaki out until week 11 of 2014 and he barely cracked the lineup for the Seahawks late in the season (8, 134, 1). Assuming Moeaki is healthy now, he’s an elite athlete for his size and could be the ideal TE2 the Bears have been looking for the last few seasons. Even banged up he is a big upgrade over Dante Rosario.

UPDATE: The Falcons have signed Moeaki to a 1-year contract.

James Casey, Eagles (30 | 6’3 | 235) – A classic H-back / Move TE that would be a good complement to Martellus Bennett. Casey can line up anywhere, catch the ball, block, and run a bit after the catch. At Casey’s age he’s got enough experience to find the soft spots against zone defenses. He’s not an explosive runner after the catch anymore, but he’s more than capable of being an upgrade over Dante Rosario. The Bears due have injury prone tight end Zach Miller on the roster, who has a higher ceiling than Casey, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last few years.

Rob Housler, Cardinals (27 | 6’5 | 260) – The Bears already have one high-upside TE on the roster who can’t stay healthy (Miller) but I guess if they sign Housler the odds are better that one of the two stay healthy. Coming out of college Housler ran a 4.46 40-time, had a 37″ vertical, and natural receiving skills. In 2012 & 2013 Housler had over 400 receiving yards each season despite limited playing time, but had only 9 catches last year as a non-factor in Bruce Arian’s offense. He fits exactly what the Bears have been looking for in a #2 TE and won’t cost much more than a minimum veteran contract.