Should the Carolina Panthers consider signing Trey Burton?

Tight end Trey Burton has reportedly been released by the Chicago Bears, but should the Carolina Panthers make a move for the player?

The Carolina Panthers could be in the market for a veteran tight end now Trey Burton has officially hit the free-agent market.

Burton has reportedly been released by the Chicago Bears ahead of the NFL Draft. The player is still owed $4 million by the organization in 2020, so any team picking him up would be investing little financially to acquire his services.

This could be an intriguing option for the Panthers, who lost experienced veteran Greg Olsen in free agency when he signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks. This included a $3.75 million signing bonus and $5.5 million guaranteed.

There is hope within the franchise that Ian Thomas can take a big leap forward next season and become a valuable contributor on offense with more opportunities. It wouldn’t hurt to bring another good option for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to rely upon, either in free agency or the Draft.

Burton played just eight games for the Bears last season due to injury. This resulted in a disappointing contribution of 14 receptions for 84 yards in a bit-part role. His first season with the team after a free-agent switch from the Philadelphia Eagles saw the player grab 54-76 targets on his way to 568 yards and six touchdowns.

Providing Burton is over his injury problems, then he is not expected to be short of offers. Whether he wants to join a team with a more realistic chance of contending for a Super Bowl other than the Panthers will be entirely dependent on the market he commands.

Burton has career stats of 131 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and a yards-per-catch average of 9.8. At 28-years-old, he is entering the prime of his career and still offers a substantial amount.