The Indianapolis Colts are expected to sign tight end Trey Burton to a one-year deal, which should have an impact in the tight end room moving forward.
Impact on the depth chart
After spending two seasons with the Chicago Bears, Burton re-connects with head coach Frank Reich. They both had shared time with the Philadelphia Eagles and both were a part of the Super Bowl season in 2017.
With Burton now on the team, the tight end depth chart looks a little different. The room will still be led by Jack Doyle but given Burton’s history with Reich and abilities as a move tight end, he should slide right into the TE2 role ahead of Mo Alie-Cox.
With Burton, the Colts have a solid tight end room. Doyle is an all-around tight end while Burton works as the move tight end and Alie-Cox comes in for the heavy packages.
Impact on the draft
This signing could very well have an impact on the draft. The Colts, of course, could still be in the market to add one over the weekend. However, Burton’s signing means the Colts might not have to spend a Day 2 pick on a tight end if they don’t want to. Not that it was guaranteed they would to begin with, but Burton gives them a solid flex piece to use as a receiving option.
There is some value for the Colts to target in the draft, especially if they wanted to still look toward the future of the position. But with Burton and Doyle, the Colts have a solid 1-2 punch at tight end. The Colts might be able to focus their picks elsewhere on Day 2 and take a developmental tight end prospect with upside on Day 3.
Impact on the salary cap
It is reported that Burton’s deal is a one-year pact for the veteran minimum, but he is still owed $4 million from the Bears. The Colts don’t have to worry about that, though, and his one-year deal shouldn’t impact the salary cap much.