3 TEs the Bears Could Target in Free Agency

The Chicago Bears need to upgrade the TE2 spot behind Cole Kmet this offseason. Kmet took a step forward in 2023 by recording career-highs in receptions (73) and receiving yards (719), but the Bears didn’t receive production from the players behind him. Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan served as Kmet’s backups, but neither player accounted for 35% of all Bears offensive plays.

Both Lewis and Tonyan are unrestricted free agents. Neither player should be a priority for Ryan Poles to re-sign. Instead, we’ve identified three potential targets when the legal tampering period opens on Monday.

NOAH FANT, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

A former top-20 pick out of Iowa, Noah Fant has been a consistent threat at tight end throughout his steady five-year career to date. Fant has recorded 400-plus receiving yards every season since entering the league in 2019. This past campaign, Fant totaled 414 yards while working alongside new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Seattle. Fant averaged 12.9 yards per catch, his highest output since his rookie 2019 season. Fant could reunite with Waldron while serving as the No. 2 option receiving threat behind Kmet.

DREW SAMPLE, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Drew Sample led all Bengals tight ends in snaps with 497 plays last season. Sample is an expert blocking tight end that Zac Taylor utilized as an extension of the offensive line. That might be the skill-set the Bears prefer to acquire in a TE2, removing some of that onus from Kmet, who is most productive when playing as a receiver, not a blocker. Sample’s versatility would be welcomed in Chicago.

COLBY PARKINSON, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Colby Parkinson is similar player that can be a key component as a run blocker. In-line duties are at the forefront of Parkinson’s assignments on a game-by-game basis. Parkinson plays with a blocking-first mentality, but he showcased increased production as a pass catcher under Waldron’s tutelage in Seattle over the previous two seasons. Parkinson’s average depth of target has steadily gotten further down the field, totaling 569 yards in 2022-23, scoring four touchdowns and averaging 11.38 yards per catch. Familiarity with Waldron could make Parkinson a target.