The Chicago Bears will kick off training camp in less than one month, and the daily battle for roster spots and starting jobs comes with it.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll break down each position group and predict which players will make the final roster and what the 2023 depth chart should look like.
We already reviewed quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Now it’s time to look at the tight ends.
TE1: Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet is among several Chicago Bears players entering a prove-it year in 2023. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, and if he builds off what many consider the best season of his career last year, he’ll be more than worthy of a second contract with the Bears.
Kmet finished 2022 with 50 catches for 544 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns. His touchdown total was more than his previous two seasons combined.
The Bears’ expected improvement in the passing game should lead to even more red zone opportunities for Kmet, who has a chance to emerge as one of the NFC’s more productive tight ends this year.
TE2: Robert Tonyan
The signing of Robert Tonyan didn’t make free-agency headlines this offseason, but the Chicago Bears’ decision to add the former Green Bay Packer will pay dividends in 2023.
Tonyan’s familiarity with Luke Getsy’s offense and his ability to separate and gain yards after the catch will make him a dangerous tag-team partner for Kmet.
There’s a chance Tonyan can become the primary pass-catching tight end in 2023. He looked like a star on the rise in 2020 when he scored 11 touchdowns. A torn ACL in 2021 derailed his trajectory into the upper tier of NFC tight ends, but now two years removed from surgery, he should be back to pre-injury form.
TE3: Chase Allen
Chase Allen is an intriguing player who was added as an undrafted free agent from Iowa State last season.
He’s tall (6-foot-7) and has better-than-expected movement skills for a guy his size. He deserves the TE3 role because of his potential as a pass-catcher.
Even if Allen doesn’t make the roster, he’s a sure thing for the practice squad.
Practice Squad: Jake Tonges
Another undrafted free agent in 2022, Jake Tonges, is more fullback than receiver. He offers more special teams upside than Allen. Still, the Bears have acquired special teams upgrades at other positions that will ultimately knock Tonges from active roster consideration to the practice squad.
Bears begin season with three tight ends on roster
The Chicago Bears will carry three tight ends into the regular season, much like they did in 2022.
Kmet and Tonyan are a fantastic 1-2-punch at the position, and Allen has an intriguing ceiling as a receiver.
However, Ryan Poles has some work to do to keep the tight end room together. Both Kmet and Tonyan are playing in 2023 on expiring contracts.
53-man roster count:
QB: 2
RB: 4
WR: 6
TE: 3
