What does Jimmy Graham signing mean for Trey Burton?
The Chicago Bears signed Jimmy Graham. Will they get rid of Trey Burton in the process?
When looking at a list of the ten highest-paid tight ends in the NFL, Trey Burton, and Jimmy Graham crack the list. We have known that Matt Nagy has been trying to add tight ends as a staple of the Chicago Bears offense.
Still, many fans will question if two tight ends who have not played as top ten tight ends in recent years are worthy of being paid like that in 2020. Beyond that between Graham and Burton, neither are big-time blockers, they signed Demetrius Harris for that.
When looking at the Bears salary cap implications there are a few things they can do. They can release him pre-June 1st. However, they would save just $1 million against the cap and pay $7.5M for Burton to play elsewhere. If you are going to pay him $7.5 million he might as well play for you.
If they designate him post-June 1, they save $2.8 million. Still, they are paying $5.75 in dead money. That is about top 20 tight end money to not be on the roster. This may happen, but only if they are strapped for cash after the draft. Burton would last until at least then.
They could trade Burton. Trading him now would save them $5 million this year. The trading team would take on $3.5 and have him on contract for 2021 as well. Still, that would be a late day three pick.
If they trade him after June 1st, they save $6.8 million. They could wait until the draft and wait to announce the deal until after June 1st. They also could trade Burton in camp.
Beyond that, they seriously could keep Burton. We have written extensively that Nagy wants to employ not one, not two, but three tights at times. Graham can stretch the seams, Burton is more of a horizontal threat, and Harris the blocker of the group. Having all three cut into the workloads of each other can bring out the best in each.
Next. Jimmy Graham advanced stats review. dark
Do not be surprised if Burton is on the roster at the NFL draft and into training camp. Beyond that, it would not be stunning if he played for the Bears in 2020.