The Chicago Bears will have a new-look offense under first-year coach Ben Johnson. One position up for grabs is tight end. Will Cole Kmet or Colston Loveland win the training camp battle to become the Bears’ starting tight end?
Colston Loveland Rehabbing Injury
6’5, 250lbs TE’s are not usually able to create man separation like this…
Colston Loveland can. pic.twitter.com/tjzPgxRs9h
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 5, 2025
The Bears are doing whatever it takes to support second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
One of the major additions to the offense is rookie Loveland, whom the Bears selected with the 10th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, the Michigan product was the first tight end off the board. Loveland had 117 receptions, 1,466 yards, and 11 touchdowns in three seasons with the Wolverines.
Loveland was named a second-team All-American in 2024.
Johnson is hoping to utilize Loveland like he did with Sam LaPorta in Detroit. LaPorta set Lions’ franchise records for tight ends during his rookie season with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
“It’s not just one part of his game. It’s the totality of what he can do for us,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said about Loveland. “When you turn on the tape, there’s plays being made constantly. It’s a guy that you could feel confident going to in critical situations. What stands out? Obviously, the dynamic skillset to separate but also when you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than I think people realize.”
Loveland will eventually become an integral part of the Bears’ offense. However, Chicago will have to wait until Loveland gets healthy. The tight end had offseason surgery to repair the AC joint in his shoulder.
Loveland will report to training camp at the end of the week. Whether Loveland participates in team activities right away will be determined upon his arrival.
“It’s been good. There haven’t really been live bullets flying yet,” Loveland said about his recovery via Aaron McCann of Mlive.com. “We’ll really know in camp once I get out there, doing a lot more stuff.”
Bears Tight End Competition
Oh they were READY for this celly 👏@ColeKmet | @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/9CW7UUtTV2
— NFL (@NFL) July 3, 2025
Loveland becoming tight end No. 1 is not guaranteed. The Bears bring back veteran Cole Kmet, who has played the last five seasons in Chicago.
After a 2022 campaign of 50 catches, 544 yards, and seven touchdowns, Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Bears.
Kmet followed that season up with career highs of 73 receptions for 719 yards to go along with six touchdowns.
Kmet’s first season with Caleb Williams did not go according to plan. Kmet had 42 receptions for 448 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bears’ offense should improve dramatically with Johnson calling the plays.
The team will certainly use both tight ends throughout the season. Because of his experience and the injury to Loveland, expect Kmet to be the starting tight end in Week 1.
Predicted winner: Cole Kmet
