Chicago Bears: Can Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen coexist?

Tight ends Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen should both play a large role for the Chicago Bears in 2018.

Trey Burton was one of the Chicago Bears‘ biggest offseason signings, yet some have wondered what is to become of second-year tight end Adam Shaheen. Burton signed a four-year, $32 million contract ($18 million guaranteed), so you know he’s playing a major role in Matt Nagy’s offense in 2018. Shaheen’s role, however, seems to still be in question by some.

Rest assured, though, that Shaheen will be on the field…a lot. In Kansas City last season, Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce was on the field for 875 snaps. Meanwhile, Demetrius Harris, the No. 2 tight end, was on the field for 487 snaps.

Shaheen is far-more talented than Harris, so he should be in the 500-snap range (or more) in 2018. That’ll be a lot considering John Fox and Dowell Loggains only played Shaheen on 239 snaps (missed final three games with injury).

As we all know by now, Burton will play the “U” or “move” tight end position. It’ll be a big role for Burton considering he himself only played 300 regular season snaps in 2017 with Philadelphia. The Bears paid him like a Pro Bowler but are truly banking on his potential. It’s quite a gamble to take on a tight end that was third on the depth chart with the Eagles, but it’s a move that could pay off big-time if he’s able to develop into a reliable option for Mitchell Trubisky.

Shaheen will see the majority of his playing time to spell Burton or when the Bears use “12” (one back, two tight ends) personnel or “22” personnel (two backs, two tight ends). Both Shaheen and Burton can line-up in the backfield as a fullback, meaning that in “22” personnel, the Bears could theoretically have three tight ends on the field with Dion Sims lined-up on the line of scrimmage.

Shaheen’s large 6-6 frame is also an extremely valuable piece on third downs and in the red zone. While Burton can stretch the seems of the defense with his speed and agility, Shaheen can use his body to create separation and make contested catches. A tight end can be a quarterback’s best friend, so having two quality options for Trubisky will make his life much easier.

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Nagy is a creative offensive mind who will surely utilize both tight ends’ strengths. While the question marks regarding both players’ lack of experience have merit, on paper, this might be the most talented tight end positional group the Bears have had since Greg Olsen was wearing blue and orange.