The Chicago Bears are going to need to sign a tight end in free agency this off-season. Trevon Wesco is a free agent they hope to retain, but Ryan Griffin is likely on his way out, so they will have to replace him. One name to keep an eye on would be Zach Gentry.
Should Chicago Bears sign Zach Gentry in NFL Free Agency?
Zach Gentry was a fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a quarterback when he was a freshman at Michigan but slowly turned into the blocking tight end for the Steelers' offense. Over the last four years, Zach Gentry has 1,159 snaps. He has 737 snaps as a blocker and 423 running routes.
It is clear what they want him to do, as he is blocking on 64% of the snaps he plays. For the Chicago Bears, this is the type of signing they should be looking into. He was raw at Michigan and fell, but is slowly turning into a trusted blocker. He is only 26 and coming off of his rookie salary, so there is some upside to be had as he continues to find himself in that role.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used Gentry in-line, and it allowed them to flex Pat Friermuth out into the slot. The Chicago Bears should see how the Steelers used Friermuth and hope that they can get similar usage out of Cole Kmet. That would mean having Gentry in the same type of role.
A blocking tight end with limited receiving stats will not get a big payday, but if the Bears want to spend a million or so more to make sure Gentry comes in, it would not be a waste of resources with their cap situation.
A tight end room featuring Kmet as more of a pass-catching option, Zach Gentry as the in-line blocker, and then Trevon Wesco as a third tight end who can move around off of the football, it would be a pretty sound group overall that features youth, talent and fit.
The team needs to find a solid second tight end, and if they look into free agency Zach Gentry would be a great fit.