The Chicago Bears have released tight end Trey Burton just two years after giving him a four-year, $32 million deal — with $22 million guaranteed — to become a productive weapon for Chicago.
While Burton had his moments in 2018, that never happened. Mostly due to his injury struggles in 2019, which limited him to just eight games where he caught 14 passes for 84 yards.
When the Bears added veteran Jimmy Graham in free agency, it was fair to wonder if Burton’s time was coming to an end in Chicago. Now, we know that it has.
The reaction on Twitter, especially with Bears fans, went as expected, considering Burton’s been a disappointment since general manager Ryan Pace brought him in 2018.
Burton will forever be remembered in Chicago for letting his team know the night before the Bears’ first playoff game in nearly a decade that he couldn’t play because of a groin injury.
Trey Burton telling Nagy he wouldn’t go the night before the Eagles last year will haunt me for the rest of my life has a Bears fan https://t.co/YOO0if7SwS
— Two Bird Carl (0-0-1 Wank Battle) (@barstoolcarl) April 17, 2020
Many were happy to see Burton go.
— Jeff 📎🇺🇸 (@jjhparker) April 17, 2020
Call me an idiot but I’d rather waste cap space than watch Trey Burton under perform week in and week out. #DaBears #CuttyComeBack
— Logan Plantz (@LoganPlantz) April 17, 2020
— Whopee Goldburg (@StephanLloyd4) April 17, 2020
Trey Burton is one of the most disappointing FA signings over the last 10 years. The dude was a vegetable and had almost no value on the field.
— Blake Van Poucke (@SoldierFieldBlg) April 17, 2020
Others were surprised by the move, considering the Bears still owe Burton roughly $4 million.
WOAH pic.twitter.com/9nahqzED9q
— Da TailGate Show ™️ on The Brawl Network (@DaTailGateShow) April 17, 2020
Bears are releasing Trey Burton? What idiots
— Jarret 🇫🇲 (@JarretSigrah) April 17, 2020
Some are confused by what general manager Ryan Pace is doing at the tight end position.
So they got rid of a guy with more skill, but can’t stay on the field. Replaced him with a guy who’s reliably on the field, but is less skilled while doing so? Hmmm… I’ll take what’s behind door #3.
— zach skellington (@ZachSkellington) April 17, 2020
There are some holding out hope for the Bears acquiring Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard, who’s reportedly on the trade block.
#Bears releasing Trey Burton. Bring on OJ Howard.
— Aaron 🐻⬇️ (In the Gulag) (@rolltide_25) April 17, 2020
— MrCommissioner (@CommissionerMr) April 17, 2020
Or some believing that it’s a given that Chicago will target a tight end early in the NFL Draft.
Corresponding with the Burton cut – If the #Bears spend one of their two picks in round 2 on a tight end, we riot.
If TE is on their draft board, trading back is the ONLY logical option. Ryan Pace, please do not mess this up. 🙄🤦♂️
— Bear Down Burner (@BearBurner) April 17, 2020
And some fearing that, in a sick twist of fate, that Burton winds up thriving with the Packers.
Trey Burton is gonna go to GB and be extremely productive, isn’t he?
— Chris (@ChrisNano10) April 17, 2020
Oh, and that Philly Special reunion between new Bears quarterback Nick Foles and Burton? Not meant to be.
seems pretty ridiculous to let Trey Burton leave after you just traded for his favorite receiver https://t.co/bZzrHhzPd4
— Matt Carey (@RealMattCarey) April 17, 2020
But don’t worry, the Bears still have plenty of depth at tight end following Burton’s release.
#Bears release Trey Burton, but don’t worry. We got a wholllle lotta depth at TE. pic.twitter.com/8miAen9Aq5
— The Casual Fan (@TheCasualFan_) April 17, 2020
What are your thoughts on Burton’s release?