While all of the focus is on quarterback this offseason, that shouldn’t exclude other positions from being potential targets of opportunity for the Chicago Bears offense. They need help everywhere. Offensive line. Wide receiver. Yes, even tight end. Now to be fair, the position was considerably better in 2020 than it was in 2019. Jimmy Graham caught nine touchdowns. Rookie Cole Kmet became a rock-solid blocker. Yet even then there just weren’t enough dynamic plays from the position.
So could GM Ryan Pace think bold again this offseason? Analytics expert Scott Spratt of Football Outsiders and ESPN believes that is possible. He thinks the Bears should seriously consider a trade. Not for a quarterback like everybody is talking about though. No. He believes it would be smarter for them to go after veteran tight end Zach Ertz.
Why? His strong connection to Nick Foles.
“But I wonder if the Eagles might have a different trade target that could transform incumbent backup and former Wentz injury replacement Nick Foles into capable starter. That player is tight end Zach Ertz. Foles has thrown 4.8% more of his passes to tight ends than a typical quarterback since 2017…
…Foles had particular chemistry with Ertz with a strong 47.8% success rate despite a low 7.0-yard average depth of target. Put differently, Ertz helped Foles move the chains to extend drives. His addition could help Foles avoid the three-and-outs that plagued the Bears in 2020, both with his receiving and the impact a heavier lineup could have on a run-blocking front that finished in the bottom 10 with 4.16 adjusted line yards per carry.”
Yes everybody is hoping for Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson or even Derek Carr. That is fine. Yet it’s important to stay grounded in reality. There is a strong possibility the Bears strike out in their efforts to make a splash this offseason. This would force them into a decision. Do they dance with a devil they don’t know or one they do? In other words, run it back with Foles and try to surround him with as many weapons as possible.
Ertz is a former Pro Bowler. He’s younger than Jimmy Graham who is cuttable this offseason. Extending him would enable the Bears to keep his 2021 cap hit low. His connection with Foles led to some huge performances and a Super Bowl championship in 2017. There is some logic to it. However, the reality is the Bears aren’t in a position to make trades for older players coming off bad seasons.
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Chicago Bears don’t have the resources for this
It’s likely the Philadelphia Eagles will be seeking a decent pick for Ertz. Probably in the range of a 3rd or 4th round pick. The Bears can’t afford to give that up for a tight end who will turn 31-years old in November. Especially since he just got done having the worst season of his career. Just 335 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. The Bears got almost that same production from Kmet who is only 21.
There is little logic to the idea. Besides, the Chicago Bears brass has made it pretty clear they have no desire to ride with Foles in 2021. Not if they can possibly avoid it. They had a good glimpse of that offense with him under center last year. It wasn’t pretty. Maybe an improved offensive line and another weapon or two helps, but not enough to make a huge difference.
Ertz isn’t at that point in his career anymore.
This isn’t the same guy of 2017. He might be a minor upgrade over Graham but not enough to justify the cost in getting him. The Bears are better off continuing to develop Kmet and seeing if they can find some bargain options in free agency. Keep the focus where it matters at quarterback and the offensive line.