One name that is being talked a lot about in Bourbonnais is newcomer Trey Burton. The 26-year old tight end is entering his first season with the Chicago Bears after signing a four-year, $32-million deal this offseason. Burton drew a lot of attention last year with his trick-play in the Super Bowl in which he recorded a passing touchdown to QB Nick Foles in the Eagles victory.
Burton last year played in 15 games and only started in one as the Eagles TE core was led by Pro Bowler Zach Ertz. He made 23 catches for 248 yards and caught five touchdown passes in last year’s regular season. Burton has 629 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 61 career games.
While not a traditional tight end, Burton has the potential to bring a lot more as a regular player with Chicago. 6-3, 235 lbs may seem big, but not necessarily for an NFL tight end. He will likely be more of an offensive weapon in Matt Nagy’s system as a throwing target for Mitch Trubisky than a blocker. Trubisky in camp has already shown some good chemistry with Burton as the two have connected on some very good passes. Even if it is just scrimmages, the two building a good understanding of each other early is never a bad thing.
The early depth charts for the 2018 Bears season have Burton as the number one tight end in front of veteran Dion Sims and Adam Shaheen. This is the first opportunity in his career for him to be a starting tight end on a team, seeing as he has only five starts in his career. His role will be bigger than ever in so many ways. Not only will he be out there to contribute to the offense on the field, but he will serve as a veteran presence for the still-young Adam Shaheen. Bears are still high on the 23-year old from Ashland, this is now an opportunity to learn a few things from Burton.
It is very early, but the Chicago Bears have the potential to have one of the most productive tight end cores in football this coming season. Even if Burton is decent at best at blocking, him being an effective target could be big for Trubisky and the offense. Shaheen has the talent but was handcuffed last year in the old John Fox conservative offensive scheme. Now with Nagy calling the shots, there is room for both him and Burton to really grow.
