O'Shaughnessy looked like he had a shot to see some playing time with the Bears this season. His release opens up additional snaps for Cole Kmet, who can use all the volume he can get in what will likely be an inefficient offense. O'Shaughnessy turns 31 in January but could draw interest as a depth option on a tight end needy team.

O'Shaughnessy, 30, was (shockingly) fantasy relevant for some of the 2021 season in Jacksonville, absorbing targets as Trevor Lawrence's go-to underneath pass catcher. An ankle sprain and a hip injury derailed a promising season for O'Shaughnessy, and Dan Arnold took over as Jacksonville's starting tight end. O'Shaughnessy had 52 receptions in 22 games for the Jaguars over the past two seasons. His presence in the Chicago offense could pose some issues for Cole Kmet as the team's primary pass-catching tight end. O'Shaughnessy could also be a depth signing. 

O'Shaughnessy posted a quiet, 24/244/0 receiving line with the Jags last year. He was thrust into a starting role for six games because of injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. O'Shaughnessy, now 30 years old, will be a backup wherever he signs. If that happens in Chicago, he will primarily take the field to relieve Cole Kmet as a blocker.

It ends an injury-shortened season for O'Shaughnessy, who had 24 catches, 244 yards, and averaged 24 routes per game in seven appearances (six starts) in what would have been a career year had he stayed healthy. The Jaguars designed TE Dan Arnold, who missed Week 17 on the COVID list, to return from IR, but have yet to clear him for Sunday's game. Luke Farrell will start if Arnold sits.