Albert Breer: Word is Bears OK w/ Burton as TE1

This isn't that big of a surprise to me.

For one, Burton isn't going anywhere in 2020.  One look at his contract told you that.

2nd, the TEs available in FA aren't that great.  Ebron and Henry have both been inconsistent and injury-prone.  Hooper prob is the best but he will likely cost more than the Bears could afford (Remember they have significant $$$ tied up in Burton already).  Everyone else is meh.

3rd, the draft class this year for TEs doesn't look all that hot.  There's a whole bunch of players that look like mid-draft caliber prospects and that's about it.  I would have no problem with Pace holding off until the 4th or 5th to take one.  I'd rather that than squander a 2nd round pick on a guy who's not much better than what you could get 2-3 rounds later.  

Bottom line:
Improvement at TE is gonna have to come mostly from Burton returning to early-2018 form and other non-big-name players stepping up.  I don't see a knight-in-shining-armor TE out there, FA or draft, that is gonna save the day in 2020.

Just because a few of these guys are rated as second round at the earliest, doesnt mean they wouldn't be BPA or close to it depending on how the board shakes out. As I've said, if a need position falls to the point where you get your first choice,top of the group player, pull the trigger.

There's some Pro Days to look forward to, as well. I always look forward to seeing who will shake up that third day board by running fast, working out well or weighing-in better than expected. If that's where we end up addressing the position based on the way the board falls, then so be it. We do need to spend a pick on it, though, because none of the kids stepped up with a golden chance.

I do think we will draft one.  Like I said, it wouldn't bother me if we wait past the 2nd to do so.

But I don't see Pace making a serious play for a FA like Hooper.