Bears Tight End Debacle Has Hit Lows That Don't Seem Possible

The Chicago Bears offense is sharing blame for being one of the worst in the NFL this season. That's how it goes. However, not enough people are grasping just how useless the tight ends have been this season. In an era where they're more crucial to offensive success than ever before. So how's this for a fun stat? As a unit, the Bears tight ends have combined for 283 yards in 14 games. That includes five players. Nick Boyle, the third-string tight end for the Baltimore Ravens has 291 yards by himself.

It's hard to know for certain but it feels like the Bears have reached a level of bad at that position that no team has seen in a long time. Injuries have played a part in that. Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen were never healthy since the season began and have since gone on Injured Reserve. Ben Braunecker recently joined them. This has left journeyman J.P. Holtz and undrafted rookie Jesper Horsted as their only viable options.

This lack of overall talent and production is hurting the bottom line. Since the start of 2018, the Bears are 14-3 when they get at least 20 yards out of a tight end in a game. That includes a 4-1 mark this season. Think about that. This team has gotten 20 or more yards out of a tight end just five times in 14 games this season. What's worse? The offense just seems to function a lot better when they're getting help from that position. Just look at Philadelphia and Kansas City for reminders of that.

Chicago Bears tight end position must be a 2020 priority

There are other positions that will need attention next year for the Bears, but it's hard to argue that any of them are more pressing than tight end. Shaheen is probably gone. If not for his bad contract, the same would be said of Burton. Braunecker has special teams value but that might be enough to prevent an overhaul. Chicago needs one or preferably two new bodies in the mix. Not just cheap free agents or late round draft picks either. They have to get serious about trying to fix a problem that has plagued them for years.

They'll have opportunities. Free agency will feature a number of interesting names including Austin Hooper, Hunter Henry, and Eric Ebron. The draft is not considered a hot spot this year for the position but experts do say there could be some quality talent available in the 2nd round. Fortunately, the Bears have two 2nd round picks, so they'll have an opportunity to strike there as well. It comes down to whether or not they finally get the right guy for what they want to do. Thus far Ryan Pace's track record is somewhat...dubious at that position.