Just two years after making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends, the Chicago Bears are reportedly releasing Trey Burton on Friday.
Burton became a hero for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, pulling down the game-winning touchdown that brought a championship to the city. Just days into the 2018 offseason, the Bears scooped him up with a $32 million contract.
He showed flashes of greatness during his first season in Chicago. He hauled in 54 receptions for a career-high 569 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, while recording 29 first downs. Unfortunately, he suffered a groin strain that causes him to miss the playoff game against his former team.
Burton returned in 2019 but struggled to stay on the field. He dealt with a groin injury for a majority of the season, playing in only eight games before the team placed him on injured reserve. A year after his breakout season, Burton only recorded 14 receptions for 84 receiving yards and didn’t find the end zone.
Given the 2020 NFL Draft is particularly weak at the position, Burton should attract interest in free agency. He could potentially be a fit for a team like the Green Bay Packers, who cut Jimmy Graham then saw him sign with Chicago.