The Bears are focused on revamping the tight end position this offseason, a group that collectively struggled in 2019.
Chicago has already signed tight end Demetrius Harris, who played in Kansas City with Matt Nagy. But general manager Ryan Pace made it clear that they were going to target tight end in free agency and the NFL Draft.
And it sounds like the Bears have found their veteran tight end target in Falcons’ two-time Pro Bowler Austin Hooper.
The Bears are planning to make a run at Hooper, according to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun Times.
The Bears want to take a big swing in free agency, and they intend to make a run at two-time Pro Bowl TE Austin Hooper–https://t.co/IvBGjOa5Il
— Jason Lieser (@JasonLieser) February 27, 2020
Hooper had a career year in 2019, where he caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns.
The Falcons made it clear that they won’t use the franchise tag on Hooper or sign him to an extension before free agency. Hooper is considered the best free agent tight end, and he’ll be on the open market.
According to Spotrac, Hooper is projected to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL next season — with his market projected around $50 million over five years. And the Bears, who have $26 million in salary cap space, could make it work.
Considering the disappointing output from Bears tight ends last season — they combined for 46 catches, 416 yards and two touchdowns — it’s certainly worth it for the Bears to make Hooper an offer.
The only problem is, Hooper will certainly be in high demand. So if Ryan Pace wants Hooper, he’s going to have to be willing to outbid everyone else.
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