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The Chicago Bears are in the middle of another important offseason, where they're looking to shore up the roster and remain contenders in Ben Johnson's second season as head coach as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.
The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond. But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired.
Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle.
Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Next up is tight end, where last year's standout rookie Colston Loveland is poised for a breakout year alongside Cole Kmet.
Loveland showed exactly why he was coveted by Ben Johnson at 10th overall with his receiver-like separation and pass catching ability. Loveland led the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713), and he really didn't even get going until midway through the 2025 season. In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), he caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. Loveland led the Bears' rookie class across the board. He played the most snaps (818), led the team in WAR (0.514), led the team in PFF grade (85.3) and also ranked first among all rookie tight ends (85.3). It's clear that Loveland has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL.
Following the selection of rookie Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet stepped back in the passing game and served as more of the Y-tight end in Ben Johnson's offense, where he was asked to block and catch passes. He statistically had his worst season since his rookie year, when he played second fiddle to veteran Jimmy Graham, but Kmet proved to be a reliable pass catcher for Caleb Williams and also improved as a blocker. Considering the importance of two tight end sets in Ben Johnson's offense, Kmet still has a key role to play.
The Bears also re-signed some depth pieces to compete in training camp, including Stephen Carlson (who's been on the roster since 2023) and Qadir Ismail and Nikola Kalinic.
When the Bears signed Durham Smythe last offseason, it wasn't to be an impact in the passing game. And yet, he did see a small share of targets (6) throughout the season. But make no mistake, Smythe was brought it to serve as a blocker in this Chicago run game. According to Pro Football Focus, Smythe was slightly better as a pass blocker (61.6 grade) than run blocking (53.2), but his above-average blocking remains his speciality and the reason he was on the roster. Smythe signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens during free agency, so the Bears do have another depth tight end role to fill.
The Bears arguably have one of the best tight end duos in the NFL with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, who enter their second season together in Ben Johnson's offense. Loveland is fresh off an impressive rookie season where he led the team in receiving while showcasing his impressive pass-catching ability, emerging as one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets. While Kmet took a step back in the passing game due to Loveland's involvement, he continued to be a reliable pass catcher and capable blocker on offense. The only question at tight end is who will fill the vacancy left by Durham Smythe, who served as a key blocker. Stephen Carlson is a favorite among in-house candidates, but we'll see if Chicago makes any other moves. Still, tight end is one of the strongest position groups on the roster.
After landing a top tight end in last year's draft, the Bears aren't in the market for a tight end in the draft (outside of a blocking tight end to serve behind Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet). In this draft class, the standout tight end is Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, who has the potential to thrive both as a pass catcher and blocker. He's the lone tight end expected to go in the first round, but there are some other solid options behind him for Day 2 and beyond, including Baylor's Michael Trigg, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher and Ohio State's Max Klare.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end
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The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond. But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired.
Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle.
Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Next up is tight end, where last year's standout rookie Colston Loveland is poised for a breakout year alongside Cole Kmet.
Who's on the roster?
- Colston Loveland
- Cole Kmet
- Stephen Carlson
- Qadir Ismail
- Nikola Kalinic
Loveland showed exactly why he was coveted by Ben Johnson at 10th overall with his receiver-like separation and pass catching ability. Loveland led the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713), and he really didn't even get going until midway through the 2025 season. In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), he caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. Loveland led the Bears' rookie class across the board. He played the most snaps (818), led the team in WAR (0.514), led the team in PFF grade (85.3) and also ranked first among all rookie tight ends (85.3). It's clear that Loveland has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL.
Following the selection of rookie Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet stepped back in the passing game and served as more of the Y-tight end in Ben Johnson's offense, where he was asked to block and catch passes. He statistically had his worst season since his rookie year, when he played second fiddle to veteran Jimmy Graham, but Kmet proved to be a reliable pass catcher for Caleb Williams and also improved as a blocker. Considering the importance of two tight end sets in Ben Johnson's offense, Kmet still has a key role to play.
The Bears also re-signed some depth pieces to compete in training camp, including Stephen Carlson (who's been on the roster since 2023) and Qadir Ismail and Nikola Kalinic.
Who departed this offseason?
- Durham Smythe
When the Bears signed Durham Smythe last offseason, it wasn't to be an impact in the passing game. And yet, he did see a small share of targets (6) throughout the season. But make no mistake, Smythe was brought it to serve as a blocker in this Chicago run game. According to Pro Football Focus, Smythe was slightly better as a pass blocker (61.6 grade) than run blocking (53.2), but his above-average blocking remains his speciality and the reason he was on the roster. Smythe signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens during free agency, so the Bears do have another depth tight end role to fill.
Positional need: Low
The Bears arguably have one of the best tight end duos in the NFL with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, who enter their second season together in Ben Johnson's offense. Loveland is fresh off an impressive rookie season where he led the team in receiving while showcasing his impressive pass-catching ability, emerging as one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets. While Kmet took a step back in the passing game due to Loveland's involvement, he continued to be a reliable pass catcher and capable blocker on offense. The only question at tight end is who will fill the vacancy left by Durham Smythe, who served as a key blocker. Stephen Carlson is a favorite among in-house candidates, but we'll see if Chicago makes any other moves. Still, tight end is one of the strongest position groups on the roster.
Top draft prospects
- Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
- Michael Trigg, Baylor
- Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
- Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
- Max Klare, Ohio State
After landing a top tight end in last year's draft, the Bears aren't in the market for a tight end in the draft (outside of a blocking tight end to serve behind Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet). In this draft class, the standout tight end is Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, who has the potential to thrive both as a pass catcher and blocker. He's the lone tight end expected to go in the first round, but there are some other solid options behind him for Day 2 and beyond, including Baylor's Michael Trigg, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher and Ohio State's Max Klare.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end
Continue reading...
