To say that the Chicago Bears haven’t gotten production out of the tight end position this season would be an understatement.
Until J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted last week against the Dallas Cowboys, tight ends were virtually non-existent in the Bears offense. Which isn’t exactly ideal when your offense requires a productive tight end to make it go.
No matter how you look at it, Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen were complete and utter disappointments this season. In eight games, Burton had 14 receptions for 84 yards and zero touchdowns while Shaheen had 9 catches for 74 yards and zero touchdowns. They were both placed on season-ending IR, and they haven’t been missed in this offense.
With Ben Braunecker (who’s dealt with a concussion for three weeks) placed on injured reserve Saturday, he became the third tight end for the Bears this season to end up on IR.
In their absence, Holtz and Horsted are rising to the challenge as the Bears offense is taking off. Last week against Dallas, Holtz and Horsted combined for 7 receptions for 92 yards. But it’s too little too late as the playoffs seem all but a 2% far-fetched dream.
This offseason, tight end has to be a major focus for general manager Ryan Pace. Even though Burton is almost assured to return, as his release would result in $7.5 million in dead money, the Bears are surely going to look to the NFL Draft for some tight end assistance. Shaheen, on the other hand, might not be as safe. The Bears could free up $1.3 million in cap space by cutting him this offseason.
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