Bears Underrated Signings: Demetrius Harris

The Chicago Bears struggled at tight end in 2019. The style of offense relies on production from this position. Trey Burton is gone. For this offense to thrive, the team needs their tight end group in 2020 to succeed.

Upgrades started when the team signed Jimmy Graham. They then selected Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet with the 43rd selection in the 2020 NFL draft. Casting aside the issues at quarterback and offensive line, the tight end room seems brand new and ready to be serviceable.

So where does Harris come in?

One of his highlight plays was catching a touchdown pass from defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Harris all-time stats are the following: 72 receptions, 754 total yards and nine touchdowns, according to Pro-Football Reference.

Harris brings a cheap, veteran depth option for the Bears. There’s no guarantee that Kmet will contribute immediately, and Graham is an aging presence. The team needs a true “Y” depth presence in the passing game. At 6’7″, he’s a tall presence who can get above defenders and high point the ball.

He saw most of his targets around opposing team’s 50-20 yard lines. When targeted in the redzone, the former Kansas City Chief was a true threat when targeted. His career stats aren’t the flashiest, but Harris doesn’t need to be a true TE1. Successful offenses have one true TE1 and then 2-3 serviceable players to help in both run blocking and opening up the middle of the field. Harris provides a cheap depth player who can allow Kmet to find his legs and give Graham needed breaks.

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