The biggest need for the Bears this offseason is tight end, a position group that underwhelmed in 2019. Maybe Austin Hooper is the answer.
Arguably the biggest need for the Bears this offseason is tight end, a position group that woefully underwhelmed in 2019.
Bears receivers combined for 46 receptions for 416 yards and one touchdown in 2019. For context, 21 individual tight ends bested those numbers in 2019.
One of those tight ends was Falcons’ Austin Hooper, who had 75 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns. His production garnered him his second Pro Bowl honor.
Bleacher Report believes that Hooper is Chicago’s ideal free agent target:
Hooper is exactly the type of performer the Bears currently lack. He can provide a reliable outlet to make life easier on quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
Granted, the 25-year-old tight end shouldn’t be viewed as a Travis Kelce-like difference-maker in head coach Matt Nagy’s scheme, but he’s the best option in thin free-agent and weak draft classes.
Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen were among those that underperformed before winding up on injured reserve before the end of last season. The Bears simply need better from the tight end position, especially given the importance of tight end in Matt Nagy’s offense.
The Bears will no doubt be looking to bring in talent at the tight end position through free agency and the NFL Draft. Hooper would be a reliable weapon for a struggling Mitchell Trubisky and help bring production back to the tight end position.
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