Ryan Pace knew what questions were coming when he stood before the media for the first time in months. The Chicago Bears GM fielded them without ever getting flustered or annoyed, something that isn’t always easy. Most centered around the obvious subject of quarterback Mitch Trubisky along with the possible fates of certain assistant coaches. Pace was fairly straightforward on the Trubisky topic, but things shifted somewhat when the conversation switched to the rest of the offense.
One area that he didn’t even try to sound optimistic about was the tight ends. Hardly a surprise when nobody at the position managed 100 yards receiving for 2019. While Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen, the primary failures in that regard are expected to at least be back for training, Pace sounded like somebody who has no intention of standing pat there going into 2020.
“I think availability with both of our tight ends. Let’s be real. With Trey and Adam, not having those guys really hurt our offense. Matt talks about all the time the importance of the tight end position to our offense. We lost two tight ends this year, but we have to be honest with ourselves. Availability is critical in our league. So we have to protect ourselves as a franchise too. That’s something we’ll look at.”
Chicago Bears clearly have designs at tight end
All one has to do is follow the breadcrumbs. The Bears will be sticking with Trubisky for this coming 2020 season. With quarterback off the table as a primary focus in the offseason, that immediately shifts to tight end. Pace’s answer tells the story. It would be a considerable shock if the team wasn’t aggressive in free agency, the draft, or both to find help at the position. They don’t have a ton of salary cap space or a 1st round pick, but that won’t stop them from trying to find alternatives.
The free agent market this coming March should have a few notable names including Eric Ebron, Austin Hooper, and Hunter Henry. All athletic tight ends with pass-catching skills that shined in the past year. As for the draft? It’s not considered the strongest year for tight ends but many experts believe there will be a number of intriguing options in the 2nd round. Names like Brycen Hopkins and Hunter Bryant continue to get a lot of buzz.
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Pace will have his chances to fix a position he’s struggled at figuring out for years. Maybe this time will be the charm. It better be. His job likely depends on it.
