The Chicago Bears officially release former second-round bust Gerald Everett who now becomes one of the two players available on the market. According to reports, the Bears are releasing Everett and defensive end DeMarcus Walker to relieve some salary cap which saves them $10.75 million. Everett was going to receive more than $5 million this season but it was too much for the Bears to invest in him since hasn’t been doing much under quarterback Caleb Williams’ offense. Originally selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Bears brought him on the roster last offseason to build some chemistry with ties to former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
The former South Alabama product was hoping to fill in for the Bears as a reliable pass catcher to give Williams some life in the passing attack. Cole Kmet has been the majority of the looks on offense. With that, the Bears never saw a future in Everett even though they brought him in on a two-year deal. It’s hard to tell what type of tight-end free-agent interest he will receive but teams may pursue him. Many should expect him to have a “robust” market, however, three teams will likely attempt to acquire Everett as soon as next month.
Bears Release Former Second Round Journeyman Gerald Everett – 3 Possible Next Destinations
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Kansas City Chiefs
The road doesn’t look to get any easier for the Kansas City Chiefs coming off their disappointing loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. However, even though DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown could leave, there’s one player who may wind up retiring the Chiefs can’t afford to lose. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce didn’t have the best season in recent memory after being the main contributor to why the team won back-to-back Super Bowls. Despite that, there has yet to be word on if Kelce will return to the team as the Chiefs are still waiting on a decision.
They could release him since he’s one of the several athletes who take up most of the cap space. With that, they should be in the market for a new tight end to help backup Peyton Hendershot if the Chiefs re-sign him. Everett is not on any elite level as Kelce but he’s significantly could wrestle a spot on the tight end department and fight for a starting role with Hendershot while the team looks for the next long-term answer. Bengal tight end Mike Gesicki will be a free agent but the team probably can’t afford his contract.
Baltimore Ravens
As for the Ravens, no one is taking Isaiah Likely’s spot as he’s been able to emerge ahead of veteran Mark Andrews. Baltimore should bring in more than two tight ends on the roster to give quarterback Lamar Jackson more capable weapons. The pass offense is already shaky so perhaps, Everett could fight for Andrews’ spot if the Ravens decide to trade him this midseason only if he continues to struggle.
Los Angeles Chargers
A reunion for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense is possible since the team doesn’t have sufficient weapons to assist Justin Herbert. Everett knows this system well and a new regime with the Chargers could boost his production than he had the last time. He won’t be starting but Everett could be a situational pass catcher if Ladd McConkey isn’t out there on the field.
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