Chicago Bears: TEs to target if team can’t land Hooper

FA Tight End #2: Luke Willson

It’s not a flashy name, but Luke Willson is a great value as a veteran tight end who can catch passes and block effectively. The former Seattle Seahawks player is a six-year NFL veteran.

Willson is likely the most attainable free agent for the Bears as he’ll carry a cheap price tag wherever he goes. It’s hard to imagine the veteran tight end as a starter, but he could be a great option as a second tight end for the Bears.

If Trey Burton can actually stay healthy and be productive this season, Willson looks like a great option to back him up. He’ll be able to effectively run block at the position while also being a threat as a check-down or last option for Trubisky.

The Bears already made one move at tight end this offseason, signing Demetrius Harris to a one-year contract that will be official when the league year begins next week.

Assuming they part ways with one or more of the tight ends on the roster, Willson would be a solid piece to add to the pool of Bears’ tight ends.

While signing Willson won’t fix all the problems the Bears have at the position, it may also help them realize that keeping Shaheen in the tight end rotation is a lost cause. He’ll only cost the team about $600,000 if they cut him this offseason.

I’m sure it’s hard for Pace to admit Shaheen is a total bust, but he needs to understand when to move on.  A proven veteran like Willson will be much more valuable to the team than Shaheen, who’s barely been able to stay on the field even when healthy.