Chicago Bears 2025 training camp preview: Tight ends
We're unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
Next we have tight ends, a group that has been a hot topic ever since the draft back in April. The Bears selected Colston Loveland with their first-round pick, pairing him with veteran Cole Kmet as a potential dynamic duo at the position.
Let's look at the Bears' tight ends heading into training camp:
Cole Kmet
Kmet, the longest-tenured offensive player, wasn't able to replicate the success he saw in 2023 but still played an important role last season. The former second-round pick caught 47 passes for 474 yards and four touchdowns while playing in all 17 games. While he had some productive weeks, such as his 10-catch day against the Indianapolis Colts and two-touchdown day overseas against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kmet was largely a distant fourth option in the passing attack. There were eight games where he saw two targets or fewer. Kmet's usage was puzzling last year, despite the fact he was catching 85% of the targets thrown his way. His outlook in 2025 is a bit of an unknown as well, though he and Loveland will get their fair share of snaps and targets.
Colston Loveland
General manager Ryan Poles made sure Ben Johnson got a dynamic weapon to work with going into his first year as Bears head coach. The Bears surprised some people with the selection of Loveland, the star tight end out of Michigan. Loveland played a significant role in the Wolverines National Championship run during the 2023-2024 season with 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. He was more of a focal point last year with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games, but Michigan struggled. Still, Loveland showcased rare abilities for a young tight end with his route running and natural hands while also showing he can be a willing blocker. He can be the Bears' version of Sam LaPorta, who thrived under Johnson. He just needs to get back on the field first after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
Durham Smythe
The Bears signed Durham Smythe to a one-year deal after a lengthy career with the Miami Dolphins. Smythe was never the featured tight end with the Dolphins but played well in a reserve role. Often used as a blocker, Smythe only eclipsed 350 receiving yards twice in his career. Last season, he caught just nine passes for 53 yards. In Chicago, Smythe will likely occupy the third tight end role behind Kmet and Loveland.
Joel Wilson
Joel Wilson may be a journeyman tight end who has yet to appear in an NFL game, but he's someone who is already turning heads during offseason workouts. Johnson singled Wilson out as someone who stood out at the conclusion of the mandatory mini camp. Wilson has been a practice squad player ever since he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but he has a chance to finally latch onto a roster in Chicago if he has a strong training camp.
Stephen Carlson
Stephen Carlson is entering his third season with the Bears, though his tenure has been unmemorable, to say the least. Carlson has appeared in just one game for the Bears back in 2023 and has yet to record a stat. He's gotten plenty of work in during the preseason, however, and chances are he will have a few plays before joining the practice squad at the end of the summer.
Jordan Murray
Another perennial practice squad player currently on the Bears roster at tight end is Jordan Murray, who has been a part of five different teams since coming in as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Like Wilson, Murray has yet to appear in an NFL game, and the odds are stacked against him that he'll get that chance with the Bears in 2025. Perhaps he can surprise the coaching staff in training camp and make the decision difficult.
Big question: How will Kmet and Loveland coexist in 2025?
As soon as the selection of Loveland was announced, questions began swirling involving Kmet. Is he on the trade block? Has he played his last down as a Bear? Will he ever be a priority in the offense again? The initial reactions were strong, and unless something drastic happens, Kmet isn't going anywhere this season. But how will the Bears deploy both tight ends? Kmet is more of a traditional in-line tight end who can block and go out for passes. His route running has improved immensely over the last few seasons, but he's best when on the line.
Loveland, however, is the type of player who can stretch defenses from the end of the line or the slot. He took on defensive backs and usually won, even when he was split out wide at the X receiver spot in college. Loveland's usage will likely be best in specific packages where he's lined up as a receiver to start. But the Bears can get creative with how they use these two players.
The biggest uncertainty at this point is with Loveland's health and how quickly he can get up to speed. Loveland did some drills during rookie minicamp and OTAs, but he wasn't able to fully participate as he continues to rehab his shoulder. He'll need to get healthy and start building chemistry with his teammates quickly in order to hit the ground running early in the regular season.
Kmet and Loveland can both be productive in 2025. There are just a few hurdles they need to clear first before that happens.
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