The Chicago Bears have focused on reshaping the tight end room over the past two weeks. After signing veteran Ryan Griffin following his stint with the New York Jets, the team moved to secure another castoff from an AFC cellar dweller. James O’Shaughnessy never stood out as the primary guy for the Jacksonville Jaguars but had a knack for making big catches from time to time. Now he’s getting a fresh opportunity on another rebuilding team.
GM Ryan Poles knows him well from his brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs a few years back. Since then, he’s spent five seasons as a rotational backup with the Jaguars. Last season had a chance to be his best after collecting 244 yards in the first seven games but got derailed by a season-ending injury. O’Shaughnessy has some pass-catching skills and also special teams experience. The latter of which Jacksonville stopped exploiting for whatever reason.
We have signed James O’Shaughnessy to a one-year contract.
Welcome home, @JOShaughnessy80! ????⬇️
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 18, 2022
James O’Shaughnessy’s focus ???? (via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/6sEqsWR3HH
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 6, 2019
Brad Nortman to James O’Shaughnessy for a 29-yard pass on the fake punt! Jaguars with a first down in the red zone! pic.twitter.com/1XfVPq9bWx
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) December 3, 2017
New Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy plans to implement his version of the Shanahan-McVay outside-zone system. This scheme requires a tight end that can run well, even if they might be somewhat undersized. O’Shaughnessy ran a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash, which is relatively strong at 245 lbs. He has a solid pair of hands and showed a capability to find open space when running routes.
He should make great competition for Griffin and Jesper Horsted for that #2 spot behind Cole Kmet. His special teams background could give him a leg up on others. It may also come down to which of those three emerges as the best run-blocking option. O’Shaughnessy is no stranger to this, having pulled such duties for years in Jacksonville due to their rampant quarterback problems. There could be some untapped potential if he’s utilized correctly for once.
