The Bears had no shortage of struggles on offense last season. But there was one position that, aside from quarterback, was the most frustrating.
And it just so happens to be one of the most important positions in Matt Nagy’s offense.
Bears tight ends were woefully ineffective in 2019. While Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker all wound up on injured reserve before season’s end, their production — or lack thereof — wasn’t anything to brag about.
While Chicago’s tight ends collectively struggled — they combined 46 receptions, 416 yards and one touchdown in 2019 — Shaheen has been one of the more frustrating players. The former second-round pick hasn’t lived up to his draft stock, and it’s becoming clearer that his future with the Bears is well in doubt.
ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson believes, like many, that Shaheen would benefit from a fresh start outside of Chicago.
The 6-foot-6 tight end hasn’t accomplished much since the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2017. Shaheen, who struggles to stay healthy, has only 26 career receptions for 249 yards and four touchdowns over three NFL seasons. Shaheen doesn’t seem to have a defined role in Matt Nagy’s offense — Nagy was not the head coach when Chicago drafted Shaheen. Bears general manager Ryan Pace said Shaheen will still be on Chicago’s roster when the team reports to training camp in July, but expectations surrounding Shaheen’s 2020 season are understandably low.
The Bears are expected to address their tight end need this offseason, through free agency and the NFL Draft. While Burton will likely remain on the roster, given the $7.5 million in dead cap money, Shaheen’s spot isn’t as safe.
While Shaheen will likely remain on the roster heading into training camp, he’s going to have to compete for his roster spot. And that’s a battle that he might just lose.
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