Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson changed his offensive scheme from the one he used in Detroit to better utilize his roster, but a few principles remained. He wants to run the ball, use play action and get his tight ends involved. He also expects his tight ends to be versatile so he can line them up anywhere on the field.
In 2025, the Bears used the sixth-highest pick percentage of 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) in the NFL and the fifth highest percentage of 13 personnel.
Advertisement
Johnson’s offense will continue to evolve schematically, but I don’t see Ben deviating too much from his usage of tight ends, which makes it an important position that requires quality depth.
Here’s how the Bears’ tight end room currently looks.
Colston Loveland – Signed until 2028* – Loveland was one of the most dynamic rookies in the NFL after a slow start to the season.. He has shown elite traits and looks ready to contend for the Pro Bowl next season. His athleticism makes him a perfect tight end, but he also didn’t seem to mind lining up as a Y and blocking. It’s easy to see why the Bears rated his skills at 10 overall in the draft, and why his ceiling is even higher than that of a perennial Pro Bowler.
*The Bears have a fifth-year option for 2029.
Advertisement
Cole Kmet – Signed until 2027 – The Bears could save around $8 million if they move on from Kmet, but I think it’s more likely they rework his deal and sign him to an extension. Kmet has developed into a reliable in-line blocker, but is athletic enough to line up wide or in the backfield. He’ll probably never reach the 73 receptions he had in 2023, but he plays an important role in Johnson’s offense.
Loveland and Kmet are one of the best tight end duos in the NFL.
Durham Smythe – Free Agent – The 30-year veteran played in a quarter of the Bears’ offensive snaps (293) and the sixth-most snaps on special teams (230). I can see the Bears bringing him back on another one year deal.
The following three players spent time on Chicago’s practice squad in 2025 and signed reserve/futures contracts.
Advertisement
Stephen Carlson – Signed until 2026 – Carlson has been with the Bears since 2023, but he has only appeared in three games. He’s a solid veteran option to call up from the practice squad, but at 29 years old, he’ll likely never crack a 53-man roster.
Nikola Kalinic – Signed until 2026 – The 29-year-old began his CFL career in 2019, and the Bears are his fourth team in the NFL since 2022. He played in two games with the Bears in 2025, making 3 tackles on special teams.
Qadir Ismail – Signed until 2026 – The Bears are his fifth NFL team since he was a Ravens UDFA in 2024. At 6’6″, 232 pounds, he is a good athlete who began his college career as a quarterback for Villanova and finished it as a wide receiver for Samford. His father, Qadry, was a ten-year NFL veteran.
OUTLOOK 2026 – Assuming Kmet stays, the Bears won’t approach this position with big money in free agency or a high draft pick. However, some competition down the depth chart should come from a UDFA or two.
What do you think will happen at the end of this tight season?
