Chicago Bears: How tight end depth could be the key to the playoffs
By Jimmie Sykes
The Chicago Bears turned a position of despair into an advantage over opponents
After the 2019 season, the Chicago Bears parted ways with tight ends Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen. They went from almost scratch to adding three new tight ends to the roster. Getting veterans Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris is a powerhouse that can work in their favor.
The new three tight ends they’ve added along with Jesper Horsted, who’s competing in the last year of his contract, could bring a real threat to other teams. Even if not individually, the sets the team will be possible to run with this unit can open up a lot.
Last season, the Chicago Bears performed subpar from the tight end position. Trey Burton didn’t quite live up to the expectations following his stint with the Super Bowl champion Eagles. He was missed in some pivotal moments throughout his two years in Chicago. During 2019, he caught 14 passes for 84 yards while appearing in only eight games.
Adam Shaheen’s “Baby Gronk” hype was short-lived in Chicago. He caught three touchdowns his rookie year only to catch one in the next two seasons. He’s off to Miami with the Dolphins as he has more room to develop there. Both guys are still great athletes though their time in the Windy City was a head-scratcher.
The tandem of Jimmy Graham and second round-pick Cole Kmet is certainly one to keep an eye on. Going off Graham’s recent years with Green Bay, he might not pop off the screen for some. His value within the offense can run deeper with his tangibles. He’s a five-time pro bowler and an all-pro player within his career. His five Pro Bowls came with the Saints and the Seahawks between 2011-2017.
Harris is coming into Nagy’s system with some experience with him from Kansas City. His familiarity with the head coach would allow him to be a good option for the team. Perhaps Kmet, Graham, and Harris would be seen in a trips tight end front. With depth playing in their favor, the playbook can open up for better pass block and receiving options.
If the depth of the tight ends works in their favor, Chicago will have a nice shot at a rejuvenated offensive year. There’s a mix of players looking to make an impact. New starters, players accepting bigger roles, and rookie impacts are key components for how good this offense can be.