NEWSLETTER
Building an offense around quarterback Mitch Trubisky is a top priority for a Chicago Bears offense that watched its top receiver walk away in free agency a year ago and didn’t get much production from the players signed to replace him.
Things are expected to be different this time around as the Bears are already connected to two free agent pass-catching targets who are at the top of the market at their respective positions:
Told on #Bears pursuit of Allen Robinson not to underestimate recruiting pitch new RBs Coach Charles London will offer. Expected to add multiple WRs and considered front runners for highly coveted FA Trey Burton.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 17, 2018
NFL analyst Chad Forbes has been told the Bears are considered to be front-runners for tight end Trey Burton. The Philadelphia Eagles’ tight end might be best known for his touchdown throw (conveniently stolen straight from the Bears’ playbook) in the team’s Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots, but he has been on our radar for a bit.
Check out where Burton is lined up before the snap. pic.twitter.com/bcvux3ywLl
— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) January 22, 2018
And now check off where he deals off the defender to ensure Blount doesn’t get taken down by a backside defender. pic.twitter.com/JkURu6ZLY9
— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) January 22, 2018
Burton has been backing up Zach Ertz, but seems primed for a breakout if given an opportunity to earn extended playing time. This seems like an ideal target for Bears GM Ryan Pace as a younger, under-utilized, under-the-radar player with upside whose best is yet to come. Think Akiem Hicks before he became AKIEM HICKS! if you catch my drift.
As for the team’s pursuit of Allen Robinson, the Bears could have a secret weapon making a pitch to the talented free agent wideout. New Running Backs Coach Charles London was on Penn State’s staff with Bill O’Brien when Robinson was hauling in passes from Christian Hackenberg for the Nittany Lions. London’s recruiting pitch to Robinson would come from a unique perspective and it couldn’t hurt in the process, though ultimately, money talks in free agency.
Unfortunately (for the Bears), there is a possibility Robinson doesn’t make it to free agency at all. HOWEVER, Forbes suggests the Jaguars tagging Robinson isn’t a foregone conclusion:
Only chance Jaguars Franchise Tag Allen Robinson if Tom Coughlin goes on vacation and Dave Caldwell gets captains chair. Look how Marrone/Coughlin are building team.. It's not around $16M per Yr WRs on 1 Yr deals coming off injuries… OK Folks. Maybe, just maybe Transition Tag.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 17, 2018
If Robinson isn’t tagged, the Bears will be just one of many suitors hoping to secure a top-tier wide receiver. And if his health is as good as he suggests, then Robinson will take home a hefty amount of cash in free agency.
The expectation is that the Bears’ overhaul at wide receiver and tight end will begin in free agency. They already have the 11th most cap space and figure to clear more before free agency begins in March. So to see the Bears among the favorites to land players at the top of this class is encouraging. Unlike last offseason, there should be no excuses not to attract top talent in 2018.
