Chicago Bears: 5 Tight ends to target in 2020 NFL free agency

3. Tyler Eifert (6-6, 255 pounds)

There has been talk about a certain Cincinnati Bengals player coming to play with the Chicago Bears. While many think that player is Andy Dalton (it still could be) the one who ends up coming to Chicago could be tight end Tyler Eifert.

Injuries have derailed Eifert’s career. He missed a total of 52 games between 2014-18. When healthy, however, he could be a good option. In 2015, he was relatively healthy when he played in 13 games. In those games, he had 52 catches for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns. He led all tight ends with those touchdowns.

Eifert again had a healthy season in 2019, playing in all 16 games. He had 43 catches for 436 yards and three touchdowns despite playing for a struggling offense.

As a backup, he’d be great. I think with a lower number of snaps he’d stay healthy. If he is over his injuries, though, the Bears have themselves two tight ends who could shine for the offense. His 2015 season showed that when healthy, he caused nightmare matchups against opposing defenses and was nearly uncoverable.

Having Burton and Eifert together helps both of them stay healthy without having any drop in production. Though he had a healthy 2019 season, teams may still want him to have another season like that to show he’s over his injuries. He could sign a one-year, “prove it” contract.

Eifert expressed his desire to stay with the Bengals but they are in rebuild mode. They currently have about $50 million in cap space and probably shed Dalton’s $17 million contract, giving them $67 million to work with before any other possible cuts. They likely look at another tight end as well.

Eifert would be a good pickup at a value. If he does have a good season, it gives the Bears good options on offense.