Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
We at Bear Goggles On have decided to count down the days until the Chicago Bears’ regular season opener on September 13th against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As of today, there are 86 days until the big day, giving us a reason to give you a profile on the Bears’ biggest free agent acquisition this off season, #86 Zach Miller.
Zach Miller played college football at Nebraska-Omaha, in 2009 he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 6th round pick 180th overall. As a Jaguar, Miller recorded 45 receptions, 470 yards and four touchdowns. In 2012 Miller suffered a significant injury that lead to him being placed on injured reserve. In early 2013 he was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but that didn’t last long, Miller was released in August of the same year. In December 2013, Miller signed with the Chicago Bears and looked promising in his preseason debut but a foot injury caused him to be placed on injured reserve again, missing the entire 2014 season. In February, the Bears signed the tight end to a one-year contract extension despite his inability to stay healthy.
What to expect in 2015?
The Chicago Bears are one of the most fortunate teams in the league when it comes to the depth and talent they have at receiver. Although the Bears gave Miller a new deal, don’t expect to see him lining up on the field often. With stars like Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Martellus Bennett and the rookie Kevin White, he would be the absolute last option. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff of the Bears use Miller, chances are the bulk of his playing time is more likely to come as a blocker on special teams.