Colts Replace Eric Ebron With Trey Burton Thanks to Bears Payout
By Mark Powell
The Chicago Bears surprisingly moved forward from Trey Burton after signing Jimmy Graham this offseason. In doing so, though, they gave him a nice severance package.
Burton has taken his $4 million in guaranteed money and signed with the Indianapolis Colts for fit reasons. The former Eagle is reunited with Frank Reich, and will be tasked with replacing Eric Ebron, who departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Free agent TE Trey Burton has agreed to terms with the #Colts, per @EnterSportsMgmt. Back together with coach Frank Reich. He gets a 1-year deal worth the minimum... but he gets a total of $4M that’s already guaranteed from the #Bears.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2020
Burton's productivity has never been in question. When healthy, he's one of the more underrated tight ends in the NFL. As of last season, however, Burton's durability is now a significant detractor, and it's likely why the Colts didn't want to commit significant money to him.
A new tight end for the Colts https://t.co/jLB8NUQxKZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2020
After playing in at least 15 games every season of his career dating back to 2014, Burton started just five contests in 2019. He'll be counted upon to do much more in Indianapolis, where Reich and Co. are all-in. The Colts signed Philip Rivers to a monster one-year contract.
Whether Burton can produce and stay healthy will be the determining factor in any future contract after this one-year prove-it deal in Indy.