Will Dion Sims be the Chicago Bears' surprise starter in 2018?

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The Chicago Bears made a hefty investment in tight end this offseason with the four-year, $32 million contract given to Trey Burton. The former Philadelphia Eagle is expected to man the U-tight end spot for the Bears, a role made famous by Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

Burton's addition has called Dion Sims' role into question only one year removed from Sims being the high-priced free agent. General manager Ryan Pace signed him to a three-year, $18 million contract last offseason, but his first year in Chicago didn't go as hoped. He started 14 games and managed only 15 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown. Hardly the kind of production expected from a player with his price tag, even if he's more of an in-line tight end.

The good news for Sims is coach Matt Nagy needs more than just Burton in his starting lineup. Sims will battle second-year player Adam Shaheen for the primary in-line role.

Sims was recently tabbed as the player most likely to become a surprise starter for the Bears in the fall.

Don't write off Sims just yet, because the tight end fills a certain niche within Nagy's offense. Sims can still be a factor in two-tight end sets and the running game, as his blocking makes him an ideal in-line option. 

Nagy and the Bears coaching staff will have unique depth to work with at tight end. Burton brings the most athletic ability and playmaking upside to the position group, but the combination of all three gives the Bears offense more options and targets in the passing game no matter who's on the field. That's a really good problem for second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to have.

The recent re-signing of Zach Miller will help all three as well. He'll be able to serve as a quasi-coach while he continues his recovery from the leg injury he suffered last season.

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