The Chicago Bears need to add a backup tight end to compliment Cole Kmet
Even though Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson plans to rip the offense down to the studs, adding another tight end like he did in Detroit will help to run his scheme.
Ben Johnson understands the Chicago Bears offense doesn’t have the types of players he did in Detroit.
The first-time head coach mentioned during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall that the offense would be ripped “down to the studs” and it would be constructed with pieces around Caleb Williams.
The biggest pieces missing are the talented offensive linemen. Johnson is well aware and stated the unit “is certainly an area that we need to get better play from going forward.”
Upgrading the O-line will be one of, if not, the top priority for Johnson and Bears general manager Ryan Poles this offseason. However, there is one other position of need that has been overlooked and one that Johnson utilized plenty while his Lions offense was torching the league: the backup tight end.
The Lions lined up in 12 personnel 1,118 times last season — the most in the NFL, according to SumerSports. Detroit’s offense finished with 0.15 expected points added (EPA), the fourth highest in the league behind only the Ravens (0.34), Bills(0.24) and Bengals (0.16).
In comparison, the Bears utilized two-tight sets on 1,065 plays (12-most) and finished with a -0.16 EPA — 31st in the NFL with the Falcons in last at -0.24.
The Bears’ tight ends last season weren’t consistent contributors for Williams throughout his rookie season as run blockers or pass catchers. There is a multitude of reasons for that. The scheme, quarterback play, blocking and the tight ends themselves.
Cole Kmet led the group with 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 47 receptions. Gerald Everett, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal, finished with eight receptions for 36 yards. Marcedes Lewis had one reception for two yards.
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta eclipsed all three of the Bears’ tight ends by himself in 2024. The second-year player out of Iowa finished with 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns. Backup Brock Wright also contributed with 13 receptions on 16 targets for 100 yards and caught two touchdowns.
LaPorta, as expected, produced most of the stats for the tight end group, but the unit was effective when the Lions lined up in 12 personnel. According to SumerSports, the Lions finished with 0.28 EPA per pass with two tight ends on the field — ranking eighth in the NFL. The Bears were 29th at -0.15 EPA per pass.
Johnson needs to find ways to effectively utilize Kmet so he can be more of an impact player, but the Bears also need to add another tight end who will positively contribute on offense.
Everett likely will be cut, which would save $5.5 in cap space, and there is a good chance Lewis won't return for a third season in Chicago.
Free agency provides some options for the Bears if they elect to go that route to add another tight end. Some players include Juwan Johnson (Saints), Mike Gesicki (Bengals), Tyler Conklin (Jets) and Zach Ertz (Commanders).
The 2025 draft class also has some enticing options and the group is headlined by Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Pro Football Focus also has the following tight ends listed in their top 100 prospects: Colston Loveland (Michigan), Gunnar Helm (Texas), Mason Taylor (LSU) and Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green).
Johnson plans to rip this Bears offense down to the studs, but he has to reflect on how Detroit became a dominant unit. Nothing should be overlooked, including adding another reliable player at tight end to give Johnson the necessary pieces to run the Bears’ offense in 2025.