In light of Harold Everett’s unexpected departure, the Chicago Bears are targeting former Miami Dolphin Durham Smythe to increase tight end depth.

The Chicago Bears have been under a great deal of pressure to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season, particularly in the wake of the unexpected departure of Harold Everett. The Bears, a team with a storied history in the NFL but a mixed bag of results in recent seasons, are seeking ways to shore up weaknesses in their lineup. One area of focus has been the tight end position, where Everett’s exit has left a notable gap in both depth and talent. In response, the Bears are reportedly eyeing former Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe to provide an added dimension to their offense.

Durham Smythe, who played for the Dolphins for several years after being drafted in 2018, is a versatile tight end who has the potential to thrive in a different system. His solid blocking skills, complemented by his ability to make key catches in the passing game, make him an appealing target for a Bears team in need of such contributions. But, beyond the player profile, the Bears’ interest in Smythe also signals a broader trend in their strategy for team building and the evolving role of tight ends in the NFL.

The Departure of Harold Everett and the Impact on the Bears

Harold Everett’s departure came as a surprise to many in the NFL community, particularly given that he was a key figure in the Bears’ tight end rotation. Everett had been expected to contribute heavily to the passing game, serving as a reliable option for quarterback Justin Fields. His exit left the Bears without one of their primary targets in the middle of the field, and this loss further highlighted the need for depth at tight end.

Everett’s strengths as a receiver were well known, and his ability to stretch the field and provide a big target was a key asset in the Bears’ offensive scheme. His departure meant the Bears not only lost a playmaker but also created a hole in their depth chart. While other players in the tight end room would need to step up, it was clear that the team would need an experienced and capable replacement to round out the group and help Fields develop into the franchise quarterback the team hoped for.

The decision to pursue Smythe can be seen as a calculated move to bolster this position while avoiding the risk of relying solely on unproven talent. Tight end has become one of the most important positions in the modern NFL, especially as offenses become more reliant on quick, efficient passing attacks. As the Bears look to take the next step in their rebuild, adding a player with Smythe’s skill set makes perfect sense.

Durham Smythe: A Profile of a Reliable Tight End

Durham Smythe, a product of the University of Notre Dame, entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft by the Miami Dolphins. Over the course of his tenure with the Dolphins, Smythe established himself as a solid, dependable tight end. While he was never considered a top-tier receiving threat like some of the NFL’s more high-profile tight ends, his blocking ability and understanding of the position were highly valued by Miami’s coaching staff.

Smythe’s versatility is perhaps his most notable attribute. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to contribute both as a blocker and as a pass-catching target. In an offense that values the tight end’s role as both a safety valve in the passing game and a key component of the run-blocking scheme, Smythe’s skill set is highly sought after.

Over the years, Smythe has developed chemistry with several quarterbacks, contributing as a reliable outlet in short and intermediate passing situations. Though his receiving numbers may not be as high as some other tight ends, he has always been trusted to make important catches in critical moments. His ability to get open in the middle of the field, especially on third down, has made him a valuable asset to any offense. For a team like the Bears, whose quarterback is still working to reach his full potential, Smythe’s experience in these situations could be invaluable.

From a blocking perspective, Smythe’s proficiency in both the running and passing games has made him an asset on the line of scrimmage. His size, strength, and understanding of blocking schemes enable him to contribute to both the running game and the protection of the quarterback. As a team that will likely continue to build around Justin Fields’ development, improving the offensive line and providing him with safe pockets to throw from is essential. Smythe’s willingness to block and his ability to contribute in the trenches should not be overlooked.

The Bears’ Tight End Situation: A Need for Depth and Balance

The Chicago Bears have been in a phase of rebuilding and transitioning, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Justin Fields represents the future of the franchise, and the team has been making moves to surround him with the right talent to help him succeed. In recent years, the tight end position has grown in importance, and with Everett’s departure, the Bears’ front office recognized that they needed to add experience and depth to the position.

In 2024, the Bears had a few promising tight ends, including Cole Kmet, who has shown flashes of potential as a dynamic playmaker. However, Kmet alone is not enough to meet all the team’s needs at tight end. The position is one that requires a diverse skill set—able to block in the running game, create separation as a pass catcher, and provide leadership in the locker room. Kmet, as the primary starter, likely lacks the experience to carry the full load on his own.

This is where Smythe comes into play. The addition of Durham Smythe would not only provide the Bears with a reliable option in the passing game but also give them another solid blocker in the trenches. Together, Smythe and Kmet could form a strong tight end duo that would allow the Bears to use multiple tight-end sets and improve their offensive flexibility. With a balanced approach, the Bears would have the opportunity to keep defenses guessing, as the presence of two tight ends could signal either a run play or a passing situation.

Furthermore, Smythe’s presence would also ease the burden on the Bears’ wide receivers, who may not have a strong enough supporting cast to consistently get open in the passing game. Having two capable tight ends, particularly with Smythe’s blocking ability, would give Justin Fields more time to survey the field, thus increasing his chances of making successful throws.

The Bears’ Tight End Philosophy in a Changing NFL

The NFL has seen a major evolution in the role of tight ends. Historically, tight ends were primarily used as blockers, tasked with helping in the running game or providing a solid presence at the line of scrimmage. However, with the evolution of offensive schemes, the modern tight end is often a crucial receiving weapon, capable of stretching the field, creating mismatches, and serving as a safety valve for quarterbacks in need of a reliable outlet.

Teams across the league have embraced this new era of tight ends, with players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller transforming the expectations for the position. These elite tight ends are not only blockers but primary targets in the passing game. For the Bears, having two strong options at the tight end position could allow them to capitalize on this trend, utilizing their tight ends both as blockers and as primary pass-catching threats.

Durham Smythe’s fit within this framework may not make him an immediate star, but his role could still be highly impactful. He’s a player who excels in a balanced offense and is comfortable being a supporting piece in the passing game while providing solid contributions in the running game. Smythe would allow the Bears to maintain flexibility in their offensive scheme, mixing in various personnel packages without being one-dimensional.

A Smart Addition for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are wisely targeting Durham Smythe to address a key need in their tight end room. With Harold Everett’s departure, the Bears must look to strengthen their depth at the position, and Smythe represents an ideal fit for their offense. His reliable blocking, combined with his ability to contribute as a pass catcher, makes him a versatile asset that would complement the team’s existing roster.

Adding Smythe would provide the Bears with a solid, experienced tight end capable of contributing immediately while helping the team develop a more balanced and dynamic offense. As they continue to build around Justin Fields, Smythe’s addition would not only fill an immediate need but also provide the team with additional flexibility in both the passing and running games.

As the Bears move forward in their rebuilding phase, focusing on adding depth and experience to key positions like tight end will be crucial to their success in the years ahead.