The Chicago Bears waited as long as they could for Trey Burton to come around. Yet the veteran tight end never did. The man who made over $8 million in 2019 and was supposed to be a vital cog in the offense proved an enormous disappointment as a myriad of health issues stunted his year. First it was a sports hernia, then it was multiple groin issues. Finally, it was a calf injury suffered against the Detroit Lions. It would seem the coaches got tired of the setbacks.
According to the Bears Twitter feed, Burton was placed on injured reserve. Linebacker James Vaughters was elevated from the practice squad to take his place. Burton is fast becoming one of the biggest busts in recent memory as Chicago free agent signings go. Together with the also injured and equally useless Adam Shaheen, the Bears look like they're poised for big changes at the tight end position come next spring.
Trey Burton signing is another bad look for Ryan Pace
Typically, Bears GM Ryan Pace is good about the contracts he hands out in free agency. They don't tie the team down long-term. However, for whatever reason he made a hard push to make Burton their centerpiece at tight end in 2018, handing him a four-year deal with guarantees locking the team down through 2020. Nobody was sure why Pace made such an aggressive move considering Burton has been a third-string guy in Philadelphia for most of his career.
He finishes the season with 14 catches for 84 yards and no touchdowns. Longtime reserve Ben Braunecker is expected to take his place as the primary starter for the Bears. A huge opportunity for him. Odds are the contract will enable Burton to stay another year next season, but the odds are he'll be facing a lot more competition at that point.
