(Photo: © David Banks-Imagn Images, 247Sports)
LAKE FOREST, Ill., — The Chicago Bears are just days away from reporting to training camp, the franchise's first under head coach Ben Johnson. After an offseason of generating endless excitement and storylines, it's finally time for the 2025 season to begin. When the Bears report to Halas Hall, tight end will be one of the most intriguing position groups to watch.
On offense, the Bears added talented players to every single position group, including tight end. A position that's been anchored by Cole Kmet since 2020, the front office drafted Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Beyond Kmet returning, Stephen Carlson and Joel Smith are back. A pair of new faces joins the group with Chicago adding veteran Durham Smythe in free agency while signing Jordan Murray to a futures/reserve deal.
While tight end has been Kmet's position over the last five seasons, everything will look different in 2025. For the first time ever, Kmet has a legitimate running mate in Loveland and the Bears will feature more 12 personnel, making tight end even more important than years past.
Training camp will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate how Loveland, Kmet, and the rest of the tight end room can mesh with the entire offense.
In Johnson's offense, Kmet and Loveland will end up complementing each other as run blockers and pass catchers. The versatility provided by both players will open up opportunities in the passing game for wide receivers and running backs, allowing the coaching staff to get creative with formations and playcalls.
As the Bears prepare to go all-in on installing Johnson's offense, tight end will ultimately be a determining factor in just how good the offense can be. For a unit that's endured a lot of turnover under general manager Ryan Poles, tight end is the one position that's had some consistency for the franchise.
Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team!