Why the Chicago Bears' Tight End Room Could Be a Strength in 2026

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Colston Loveland #84 of the Chicago Bears looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Solider Field on September 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois . (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

What can we expect from Chicago’s tight ends in the 2026 season? The trio of Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush is likely to have different roles, but the goal is the same: to take the offense to an even higher level than last season.

Colston Loveland Leads the Bears’ Tight Ends

Colston Loveland is certainly the No. 1 candidate for a major leap. Loveland has become a very important piece of Chicago’s passing game. Last season, his rookie campaign, he recorded 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. His 713 receiving yards were the most by a Bears rookie since Willie Gault in 1983. In the postseason, across two playoff games, he added 12 receptions for 193 yards. Entering his second year, we can expect even more from him. I’d project Loveland to finish with 70–75 receptions, 850–950 receiving yards and 7–9 touchdowns.

Cole Kmet recorded 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns last season. His receiving numbers have been trending down compared to previous seasons, but Kmet’s value and usefulness to the team go beyond his production as a receiver. He brings a lot of experience, with 100 career games, including 92 starts, along with solid blocking ability and the versatility to line up in different tight end formations.

If Loveland is as effective as we expect him to be, Kmet doesn’t need to put up a high number of receptions. His value lies in his versatility. My projection for his 2026 season would be 35–45 receptions for 400–500 yards and 3–5 touchdowns.

Sam Roush was a third-round pick in the latest draft. He wasn’t drafted simply to be a depth piece. The Bears see him as a powerful tight end who can contribute to the running game while continuing to develop as a receiving option. His priority this year as a rookie is development. We shouldn’t expect big numbers from him, but we should expect situational impact. My projection for 2026 would be 20–30 receptions for 200–300 yards and 2–4 touchdowns.

The Bears’ Tight End Room Gives Ben Johnson Plenty of Options

Why is this group so important? Think about the different combinations the Bears can create with these three tight ends. Loveland and Kmet give you two legitimate receiving threats. Loveland and Roush give you a combination of size, athleticism and physicality. Then there’s Kmet and Roush, a much more physical pairing that can support the run game with their blocking while still giving the offense receiving potential.

That kind of versatility gives the offense different ways to attack. They can go with a more athletic approach, or lean into size and physicality while building around the run game, all without completely sacrificing their ability to make plays through the air.

The Bears don’t necessarily need one superstar tight end. What they need is as much versatility as possible, and this group has it. Loveland has the potential to become a star, Kmet brings experience and versatility, while Roush is a physical piece with plenty of room to develop.

If Ben Johnson can maximize the versatility of this group, the Bears’ tight ends could become one of the biggest strengths of their offense in 2026.