By Adam Jahns 7h ago
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The Bears released tight end Trey Burton on Friday. According to league sources, it will be a post-June 1 designation, which saves money against the salary cap. It’s a semi-surprising move but one that sheds some light on the Bears’ future plans.
Why was he released?
As former coach John Fox would say, the best ability is availability. It started with the groin injury that forced Burton to sit out the Bears’ playoff game against the Eagles on Jan. 6. 2019. He was added to the injury report the night before the game.
Burton later required sports hernia surgery in the offseason. But the issues persisted into the following season. Not only was he slow to return, but he later suffered a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve on Nov. 16 after appearing in eight games. General manager Ryan Pace later revealed that Burton underwent surgery on his hip, which was related to the sports hernia.
Of course, Jimmy Graham’s arrival this year in free agency didn’t help Burton’s position on the team, either. Graham signed a two-year deal that’s worth $9 million guaranteed and includes bonuses for Pro Bowl and All Pro honors.
There are reasons to question Graham’s signing, starting with his age of 33 and that the guarantees of his contract span two years. But his durability isn’t a question. He’s played in every game the past four seasons.
How should Burton be viewed?
In 2018, the Bears signed Burton to a four-year, $32 million contract, including $22 million guaranteed. He was the first roster addition that Pace and coach Matt Nagy discussed after Nagy was hired. They needed a “U” tight end for Nagy’s offense and Burton had experience with it having played for Eagles coach Doug Pederson.
On the field, Burton set career highs across the board with 54 catches, 569 receiving yards and six touchdowns during the regular season.
But it was a feel-good story that didn’t last long.
In the Bears’ biggest game in years, Burton sat and the shock of it was significant — not only within the fanbase. His absence changed the Bears’ game plans.
Burton’s groin injury was real — the Bears’ medical tests revealed that later — but a new narrative set in. The curious nature and timing of it resulted in questions about Burton and his open battle with anxiety. Then came his injury problems last season.
From a financial standpoint, there was no good time to release Burton, but by designating him a post-June 1 release, the Bears will save $2.8 million of cap space per Over the Cap. He had $4 million guaranteed this season and will still count as $5.75 million of dead money. Burton won’t get his $100,000 workout bonus.
So what’s next?
Much is already expected of Graham. He’s the Bears’ best tight end — with or without Burton.
In a recent conference call, Nagy said he sees Graham as a “6-6 playmaker that you can get some mismatches with.” Nagy saw that on tape, preferring to visualize what he could be in his offense instead of what he did for the Packers as his role and playing time were scaled back.
“When you talk to him as well, you understand the knowledge that he has for the game,” Nagy said. “He’s very, very motivated right now, which I love. So it’s just a fit for us.”
To a lesser extent, the same applies to Demetrius Harris, another free-agent addition who has past experience with Nagy. Harris is expected to fill the traditional in-line role.
With Burton gone, the Bears now have nine tight ends under contract. Other notable changes will come, too. Adam Shaheen’s place on the team is definitely in question.
The draft also is next week. It’s not considered a great year for tight ends. But with Nagy, the Bears will be picky when it comes to finding their next “U” — a nuanced role that typically requires time to learn and adjust to, given all of the responsibilities.
(Photo: Rich Graessle / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)