In this 13-part series, we’ll take an in-depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye toward the 2025 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Poles make.
When he was running the Detroit Lions’ offense, Ben Johnson’s primary tight end was Sam LaPorta, who is more of a U (move) than Y (in-line). His number two tight end, Brock Wright, who played in about half of their snaps, did most of his work as a blocker. The Chicago Bears don’t have the same type of tight end room that Johnson had in Motown, but his understanding of play action bodes well for Cole Kmet bouncing back in 2025.
Here’s how the Bears’ tight end room currently shapes up.
Cole Kmet – Signed through 2027 – Kmet is criticized by Bears fans more for what he’s not and more for his contract, but he’s been a good football player in Chicago. He’s coming off his worst statistical season since his rookie year, with just 47 receptions and 474 yards, but that was due to the scheme and his usage than it was declining skills. He posted a career-high catch percentage at 85.5% (receptions/targets) and a career-high success rate (70.9), which Pro Football Reference defines as, “A successful reception gains at least 40% of yards required on 1st down, 60% of yards required on 2nd down, and 100% on 3rd or 4th down.”
The Lions led the league in play action passing attempts last season, and with the way Johnson can marry his run game to the passing game, I would expect to see plenty of easy button throws to Kmet, who is still a month away from his 26th birthday.
Gerald Everett – Signed through 2025 – The Bears could save $5.4 million by cutting Everett, and considering the 30-year-old Everett was signed due to his familiarity with Shane Waldron’s offense, I’d imagine he’ll be let go at some point soon.
Marcedes Lewis – Free agent – The 40-year-old Lewis had a nice run in the league, but his time may finally be over.
Stephen Carlson – Free agent – He was a wide receiver in college but has become a viable option as an in-line blocker during his two years in Cleveland (2019/2020). Carlson was on injured reserve for most of the 2024 season. As TE3/4, who plays the third phase, he could have some value for the new coaching staff.
Tommy Sweeney – Free agent – Sweeney ended the 2024 season on the Bears practice squad injured list, and he’s currently a street free agent, meaning he’s able to sign with another club at any time.
Jordan Murray – Signed through 2025* – Reed signed a reserve/future contract with the Bears after splitting 2024 between the Cardinals and Giants’ practice squad. He was a UDFA of the Texans in 2023 and spent that season on the Colts practice squad. Murray is more move TE/H-Back.
Joel Wilson – Signed through 2025* – Wilson is also on a reserve/futures deal, and the Bears are also his fifth team after being a 2023 UDFA (Saints, Bills, Packers, and Giants). He’s also more of a move TE.
*Both would be exclusive rights free agents in 2026.
2025 OUTLOOK – Kmet is the only lock to be around in 2025, so if Ben Johnson plans on using as many two tight end sets as has previously, the Bears are going to attack this position.
Finding a veteran move TE to complement Kmet could be something Johnson wants, and the Panthers’ Tommy Tremble may be looking for a fresh start. He’s a good athlete with experience on special teams.
The Bears could look to the draft for a backup Y, and Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans (6’5”, 260) or Alabama’s C.J. Dippre (6’5”, 262) could be a day three option.
I asked our lead draft analyst for some draftable possibilities for the Bears, and he said, “A sturdy in-line blocker like Jackson Hawes from Georgia Tech or a move tight end type like Luke Lachey from Iowa or Oronde Gadsden II from Syracuse would be nice.”
What do you think will happen at tight end this offseason?