If the 49ers are looking for an affordable, but dynamic tight end to pair with George Kittle, they don't necessarily have to wait until next week's 2020 NFL Draft to acquire one. The guy they're looking for might be available right now.
The Chicago Bears released tight end Trey Burton on Friday. He signed a lucrative four-year, $32 million free-agent contract with Chicago prior to the start of the 2018 season, but only lasted half that time.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report, citing a source.
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Burton, 28, started all 16 games in his first season with the Bears, hauling in 54 receptions for 569 yards and six touchdowns. He had an injury-shortened 2019 campaign, however, and was limited to 14 receptions for just 84 yards across eight games (five starts). Prior to Chicago, he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII.
Though Burton didn't live up to his contract in Chicago, that's not necessarily why he was released. The Bears have an abundance of tight ends even without Burton -- seven to be exact -- including free-agent signing Jimmy Graham. However, they still owe Burton $4 million.
Given that Burton still is being paid by the Bears, it wouldn't be surprising if another team acquired him on the cheap. An incentive-laden contract could do the trick, considering his injury history.
The 49ers don't have a ton of cap space to work with, but in theory, they could make that work. They reportedly were interested in Burton when he was a free agent, and if they still are, it'll cost them way less to acquire him now.
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Burton was the victim of erratic quarterback play during his time with the Bears. That wouldn't be the case in San Francisco.
If he's looking for another shot at the Super Bowl, it would be tough to think of a better spot for him than with the 49ers.