Chicago Bears add veteran free agent to roster
The Chicago Bears signed free agent tight end James O'Shaughnessy to a one-year deal on Monday according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. O'Shaughnessy is a former Illinois State standout who was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the first two years of […]
The Chicago Bears signed free agent tight end James O'Shaughnessy to a one-year deal on Monday according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
O'Shaughnessy is a former Illinois State standout who was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the first two years of his career with the Chiefs. O'Shaughnessy was traded to the New England Patriots in early 2017, but he was released at the start of the season. He then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played from 2017 to 2021.
The Bears' new addition isn't much of an offensive threat — he has just 112 receptions for 1,108 yards and three touchdowns in his career. O'Shaughnessy, however, graded quite well as a pass blocker last season for the Jaguars (73.7 grade per PFF).
This is essentially a depth signing for Chicago.
The Bears have only Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin at the top of their depth chart, so they needed to add another veteran tight end to the room. O'Shaughnessy will bring some needed experience to the offense.
Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has been making frugal additions to the roster this offseason with the idea that the franchise will be in a better financial position to contend in 2023 and beyond.
Featured image via Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
