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

FA Tight End #3: Tyler Eifert

There was a time when Tyler Eifert was considered a future superstar tight end in the NFL. After multiple devastating injuries, his career hasn’t panned out as expected. But there’s still a chance that Eifert can make an impact in the league going forward.

NFL fans familiar with Eifert likely know his laundry list of injuries. He’s dealt with head to toe injuries over his eight-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals. As the Bengals approach a rebuilding season, they’re moving on from the veteran tight end.

Eifert has had surgery on his ankle, his elbow, his back, and his shoulder. Simply put, Eifert is one of the most injured players in the NFL. He’s played fewer than five games in three of his seasons.

So why should the Bears even bother signing such a high-risk option like Eifert? The team has already experienced several different injuries to their tight ends. The one thing that intrigues me most about Eifert is that he played 16 games last season.

It was the first time in his career Eifert has accomplished that feat, and while he only started in four games it may a good indicator of how Eifert should be used going forward. He could be a real weapon for the Bears as a backup or situational tight end.

Maybe this is wishful thinking, but I have to believe Eifert wants to prove he can still have an impact in the league. This is his last chance, and the Bears should give him a shot if they miss out on the bigger free-agent tight ends.