Should The Patriots See if there's anything special about Burton ?

Zack Cox wrote an article titled Bears Releasing Trey Burton; Should Patriots Sign Tight End? The Patriots are needing at tight end and cannot afford another year of career backup Matt Lacosse.

"An intriguing veteran tight end is hitting the open market. The Chicago Bears plan to release Trey Burton with two years remaining on the four-year, $32 million contract he signed in 2018, according to multiple reports Friday. Once they do, the 28-year-old will be free to sign with any team.

One club that could use his services is the New England Patriots, who ranked dead last in the NFL in receptions by tight ends in 2019 and have yet to address the position this offseason."

The Patriots were doomed from the start at tight end. Gronk takes too long to retire and costs them a chance at a tight end. ASJ signs, and later gets granted release to take care of personal problems. Ryan Izzo got banged up and had concussion issues. Ben Watson got suspended for testosterone, and well Matt Lacosse....

Burton's size is that of a fullback or overweight receiver. While he is a little short, in football, size doesn't always matter. The question is Productivity, can Burton deliver? The Patriots have had their share of duds at tight end and the last thing the club needs is another one. 

"The former college quarterback also threw a touchdown pass against New England in Super Bowl LII, his final game with the Philadelphia Eagles." Said Cox. 

Knowing Belichick and Patriots Nation, the fact that Burton had his best game against the Patriots, and was part of the "philly special", should have people screaming "Burton Get your Ass to Foxboro!"

"Injuries, though, are a significant concern with Burton. He sat out half of last season and was ineffective when active, catching just 14 passes in eight appearances..." "Chicago still owes Burton $4 million in guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, meaning he could be relatively affordable for a new team to sign."

With the Patriots in need of a tight end, Burton with his injuries and lack of production would be a player to sign if things go bad in the draft. Burton is getting paid and could be signed to a one year prove it deal, if he fails, he gets cut before season kick off.

Izzo was looking good for being thrust up the depth chart in 2019, before his concussion derailed his development and stunted his production. Tom Brady's lack of trusting young undeveloped pass catchers is sure to be another reason for Izzo's set back later in the year. 

Good thing for Izzo, and the rest of the 2020 pass catchers that the Patriots have Jarrett Stidham throwing him the ball, instead of the 43 year old Buccaneers' quarterback. Whether the Patriots bring in Burton or not, the team clearly needs to do something at tight end.