Chicago Bears Free Agency: 5 bargain tight ends to consider
By Ryan Heckman
3. Charles Clay
Once upon a time, Charles Clay was a sneaky valuable tight end to own in fantasy football. I know, this isn’t fantasy football, but hear me out. If you were to just look at his past two seasons, you would wonder what I’m talking about. But, playing for the Cardinals in an offense that doesn’t utilize the tight end, and with a rookie quarterback, doesn’t exactly help his cause — that was 2019.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
Back when Clay was a member of the Buffalo Bills, though, he had a quarterback in Tyrod Taylor who was very careful with the football. Taylor did not like to take a lot of gambles with the football and was among the league-low in overall turnovers.
Part of the reason Taylor was so good in this area is due to having a strong security blanket in Clay. he was “Mr. Reliable” when it came to Taylor finding someone who would simply catch the football.
Between 2013 and 2016, Clay caught a total of 235 passes for 2,444 yards and 16 touchdowns. If you told me the Bears could have a tight end who put up those numbers over four years, I would say they need to sign him in a heartbeat.
Clay would give Trubisky the same thing he gave to Taylor once upon a time. He’s always been a guy who will catch the football, no question. He is about as sure-handed as they come, and that’s what the Bears need at the position.
Heck, the Bears could probably use two of the guys on this list, quite honestly. They have to revamp this position, and Clay would be a strong start.