Foster Moreau is a perfect tight end for Chicago Bears in NFL free agency
It is not talked about as much as other spots, but the Chicago Bears will have to add a tight end in free agency this offseason. Beyond Cole Kmet, they just have some practice squad options signed. They likely will want to re-sign Trevon Wesco, but that is not assured, and they certainly will be replacing Ryan Griffin.
A more notable name that could be added is Foster Moreau. Moreau has 1,107 receiving yards in four seasons, so he is not a big name that is often discussed, but he is coming off of a 420-yard season, which was the best of his career.
He has spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Raiders, so the surrounding environment has been a roller coaster. Still, as the years have gone, he has continued to grow.
He played 373 snaps as a rookie, then 257 the following year. However, over the last two years he played 776 and 745 snaps, showing that he was becoming an impact player. Some of that has to do with injuries to Darren Waller, but some of it is because he is the perfect complement to Darren Waller.
Moreau is a trusted in-line tight end a solid blocker. So, the Raiders can line him up off of the tackle, then flex Darren Waller out to the slot. With Waller in the slot, he creates more in the passing game, and the Raiders do not need to be as deep at wideout.
They essentially use Hunter Renfrow, Davante Adams, and then Darren Waller as their third. The Chicago Bears could add Foster Moreau with a similar idea.
Sure, Cole Kmet is not Darren Waller as a receiver, but he is growing in that area every year. One reason Kmet was more efficient this season despite fewer targets was the emergence of Wesco. With Wesco blocking, Kmet was freed up and went from two touchdowns in two seasons to seven in 2022.
Foster Moreau would just be an upgraded option over Wesco. Not only would he be a better blocker, but there is also a significant upgrade in the passing game as well. The realization that having this type of reliability at the tight end two spot makes the need for a third receiver less daunting can only increase the validity of this idea. The wide receiver market is blowing up, but there is still great value in a tight end who just finished his rookie contract and may have his best play ahead of him.
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With Foster Moreau next to Cole Kmet, they can pack teams in heavy, but still, have the ability to pass and use the explosive legs of Justin Fields. It is not a bad idea. The Chicago Bears have to sign a tight end, so now the question is whether they look for a low-end guy or a reliable second option. If they go with a sturdy second option, then Foster Moreau is on their radar.