Matt

Spaeth

A blocking specialist likely brought in at former OC Mike Martz’s behest, Spaeth no longer fits the offense. His $1.875 million salary can be used to re-sign Kellen Davis or make a push for a free agent such as Martellus Bennett.

This marks just his second touchdown on the year, so no he’s not auditioning for a Scott Chandler-type role in Chicago. He has just five catches and 28 yards on the year.

Spaeth said the clean-up is “no big deal” and that he would “be good to go in no time” for offseason workouts. The Bears will look to upgrade at the position this offseason. Spaeth’s roster spot is in jeopardy with a new coaching staff coming in.

With the tight end market shaping up nicely both in the draft and free agency, it’s more likely than not the Bears part ways with both players. Inept as a pass catcher, Davis isn’t worth his $2.4 million salary, while releasing Spaeth would clear $1.625 million in cap space. Jay Cutler badly needs a tight end who can do more than block.

It’s a move that could be seen coming from a mile away after the Bears signed Martellus Bennett. Spaeth had a $500,000 roster bonus due on Thursday. A pure blocker with just 49 catches in six years, Spaeth’s market will be slow developing.

Spaeth was just released by the Bears on Wednesday. The blocking tight end has 49 career catches in six seasons.

Spaeth will fill the blocking tight end role vacated by free agent Leonard Pope. The 29-year-old has just 49 receptions across 91 career games.

He’ll be eligible to return in Week 9 against the Patriots. If all goes according to plan for the Steelers, Spaeth will be returning to a reserve role behind Heath Miller. Going on 30, Spaeth has just 49 career receptions.

Heath Miller (torn ACL, MCL, and PCL) is fully expected to remain on the PUP list for at least the first six weeks of the regular season. Spaeth, a solid blocker but nothing more, and David Paulson will try to hold down the fort in Miller’s absence. Look for the Steelers to line up in more three-wide sets.

The surgery indicates Spaeth’s foot was fractured as opposed to sprained, as initial reports claimed. With Heath Miller (knee) also on the shelf indefinitely, the Steelers are woefully thin at tight end, where David Paulson essentially played the entire preseason opener. For the Steelers’ wide receivers -- who’ll be leaned on more heavily -- it’s positive fantasy football news.