The Chicago Bears' tight end corps is a force to be reckoned with, and it's no wonder they've been voted as the position group fans are most confident in. With two of the top 32 tight ends in the NFL, the Bears have a dynamic duo in Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, along with the addition of Sam Roush, who brings exceptional blocking skills and athleticism. This trio is set to dominate in 2026, and here's why.
Colston Loveland, a second-year pro, is a rising star in the league. His 84.0 PFF grade in the second half of the season was third among all tight ends, and his 1.97 yards per route run placed him fifth. Loveland's talent and versatility are evident in his 597 receiving yards from Week 9 onwards, which were second in the league, and his 193 yards in the playoffs, which led all tight ends. With his potential, Loveland could be the best tight end in the NFL in 2026, and his odds to win Offensive Player of the Year at +10,000 are a testament to his talent.
Cole Kmet, a grizzled veteran, continues to play a crucial role in the Bears' offense. Despite not quite recapturing his peak receiving performance, Kmet has averaged over 10 yards per reception in each of the past two seasons and has tallied six touchdowns. His value as a blocker is invaluable, especially in Ben Johnson's offense, where flexibility is key. Kmet's presence, along with Loveland's, has given fans confidence in the tight end position, and it's easy to see why.
The Bears' investment in Sam Roush, a second-round draft pick, further strengthens their tight end corps. Roush's reputation as an exceptional blocker is well-deserved, and his athleticism should not be underestimated. With his ability to run block, pass block, and catch, Roush is a versatile player who can do it all. Caleb Williams, the Bears' quarterback, even mentioned Roush on the New Heights podcast, praising his physical attributes and versatility.
The Bears' increased use of 12 and 13 personnel in 2026 will likely result in more offensive snaps for Roush, who will turn 23 in September. With his experience playing special teams at Stanford, Roush will be a factor in all three phases of the game. While Roush's odds to win Rookie of the Year are extremely long at +25,000, his potential to excel in multiple aspects of the game makes him a valuable addition to the team.
In conclusion, the Chicago Bears' tight end corps is a well-rounded and talented group. With Loveland's potential to be the best tight end in the NFL, Kmet's reliability, and Roush's versatility, the Bears have a strong foundation for success in 2026. The increased use of 12 and 13 personnel will further enhance their offensive capabilities, and fans can look forward to seeing this dynamic trio in action.
