Chicago Bears Trade for Texans Tight End Khari Lee

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe it’s because Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace came from the New Orleans Saints organization where tight end Jimmy Graham played such a prominent role?  Maybe it’s because the Bears don’t have much behind an already disgruntled Martellus Bennett?  Whatever the reason, the Bears seem to be stockpiling tight ends like your brother-in-law stockpiles running backs in your fantasy draft.  The Chicago Bears trade a 2017 sixth round draft pick to the Houston Texans to acquire tight end Khari Lee.

Lee came to the Texans as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Bowie State University where he appeared in 40 games over four seasons catching 108 passes for over 1250 yards and 5 TD’s.  He caught five passes for 71 yards for the Texans in the preseason so far even though the 6’4, 235 pounder is considered more of an in-line blocker than a pass catcher.

Lee is probably best known for his spot-on Bill O’Brien impression in this season’s Hard Knocks:

At least he’s got a sense of humor.  With the Bears expected to have a rough season, he’ll need it.  I wonder how long it will take him to get a John Fox impression down?  All it will take is avoiding questions about injuries and he’ll be all good.

The Bears just acquired another tight end Gannon Sinclair off waivers yesterday so it’s clear they’re not happy with what they have at the position.  To make room for Lee, the Bears waived tight end Blake Annen.  The move leaves the Bears with six tight ends on their roster ahead of the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

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Besides Bennett, Sinclair and Lee, the Bears have veterans Dante Rosario, Zach Miller, Bear Pascoe vying for roster spots.  By trading for Lee, he’s all but assured a roster spot.  Obviously Bennett is a lock on the roster, so that leaves possibly one spot for Rosario, Pascoe, Sinclair or Miller.  For my money, I like what I’ve seen from Zach Miller in the passing game but he needs to stay healthy.   It will be interesting to see how this plays out against the Browns Thursday night.