The Chicago Bears made waves at the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected standout tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick. Now, just days after bringing him into the fold as a franchise cornerstone, the team has officially inked the former Michigan star to his rookie contract. The deal, standard under the NFL’s rookie wage scale, ensures Loveland will be in the building for rookie minicamp and sets the tone for what the Bears hope will be a transformative era of football in the Windy City.
According to multiple sources familiar with the terms, Loveland’s deal is a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth approximately $23.9 million, including a signing bonus north of $14 million. As is customary for first-round picks, the Bears will also hold a fifth-year team option that gives them additional flexibility as Loveland develops into a potential Pro Bowl-caliber weapon. While the contract itself might be straightforward in structure, the implications for the Bears’ offense are anything but ordinary. Loveland isn’t just another pick—he’s a culture setter, a playmaker, and a potential offensive centerpiece alongside No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
In a draft rich with offensive talent, Loveland stood out not only because of his production at Michigan, but because of his rare blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he has the frame of a traditional in-line tight end, but his route-running, hands, and after-the-catch creativity make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Scouts raved about his body control, catch radius, and ability to make contested grabs over the middle—traits the Bears clearly valued when they decided to pair him with their new franchise quarterback. The selection of Loveland at No. 10 was, in many ways, a signal of the organization’s commitment to building a sustainable offensive identity that marries talent with tactical flexibility.
The move to bring Loveland into the fold also speaks volumes about the Bears’ strategic direction under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. After years of inconsistency and offensive stagnation, the franchise is undergoing a dramatic recalibration, centered around young, dynamic players who can evolve together. With Williams under center, Loveland as a reliable safety valve and seam-stretching option, and a steadily improving offensive line, the Bears are hoping to not only compete but to redefine themselves in a hyper-competitive NFC North.
Loveland’s college resume more than justifies the excitement. In his junior season with the Wolverines, he tallied 53 catches for 749 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honors and solidifying his reputation as one of the most polished pass-catching tight ends in the country. He played a pivotal role in Michigan’s national championship run, particularly as a red zone threat and third-down option. What separates Loveland from other tight ends in recent draft classes isn’t just production—it’s his versatility. He can line up as an H-back, in the slot, or on the boundary. He can chip block and release, run delay routes, and beat linebackers with leverage. Simply put, he’s a schemer’s dream.
Now, Loveland gets the chance to bring that same versatility to the NFL. In Chicago, he’ll be playing under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who spent the last several years with the Seattle Seahawks. Waldron is known for his creative use of tight ends, having coached talents like Gerald Everett and Noah Fant. The expectation is that Loveland will have the freedom to thrive in multiple formations and route concepts, providing Williams with a high-percentage target as he acclimates to the pro game. For a rookie quarterback, the presence of a dependable tight end can be a game-changer—and Loveland fits that bill perfectly.
The chemistry between Williams and Loveland will be one of the most closely watched developments of the Bears’ offseason program. Early reports from Halas Hall suggest the two have already begun developing a rapport during private workouts and film sessions. For a team looking to fast-track its rebuild, the hope is that the Williams-Loveland connection becomes a foundational element of their offensive identity for years to come. Veteran tight end Cole Kmet remains on the roster and could serve as both a mentor and complementary piece in two-tight end sets, but it’s clear Loveland is being brought in to be a focal point—not just a cog.
What makes the Bears’ investment in Loveland so intriguing is that they didn’t need to make it. With other needs on the board, including edge rusher and offensive tackle, Chicago could have gone in multiple directions. But they chose to prioritize giving Williams every possible advantage to succeed, and that includes providing him with a top-tier weapon at a position that often serves as a quarterback’s best friend. It’s a clear deviation from the conservative draft philosophies of years past, and a refreshing sign that Chicago is finally serious about building around its signal-caller.
The rookie signing comes at a crucial time for the Bears, who are trying to capitalize on a rare convergence of opportunity. The team has two top-10 picks, a stable of promising young talent, and a clean slate under center. The pressure is undoubtedly high—fans are starved for success, and the NFC North isn’t getting any easier—but the pieces are falling into place. Locking in Loveland early removes any potential contract distractions and allows the focus to remain on development, chemistry, and competition.
Beyond the field, Loveland also brings intangibles the Bears have long coveted. Teammates at Michigan consistently praised his leadership, work ethic, and maturity. Coaches described him as a “film junkie” with a tireless desire to improve. During the pre-draft process, Loveland impressed in interviews, demonstrating a deep understanding of coverages, route concepts, and blocking responsibilities. That football IQ, combined with his athletic traits, makes him one of the most NFL-ready prospects in the entire class—and a perfect culture fit for a team looking to turn the page.
Chicago’s fans have responded to the pick with enthusiasm, particularly given Loveland’s ties to Midwest football and the Big Ten. He represents the type of player Bears faithful love to root for—tough, humble, and unafraid of big moments. Already, Loveland’s jersey has surged in sales among rookie merchandise, a testament to both his popularity and the fanbase’s optimism about the team’s direction. While tight ends don’t always generate the same buzz as wide receivers or quarterbacks, Loveland is quickly emerging as a fan favorite and an essential part of the Bears’ future.
Of course, as with any rookie, there will be growing pains. The NFL is faster, stronger, and more complex than college football, and Loveland will need to adjust to the rigors of a 17-game season, more intricate defensive schemes, and heightened physical demands. But all indications suggest he’s up to the task. With a strong support system, veteran mentors, and a clear role within the offense, Loveland has every opportunity to succeed—and the Bears are betting big that he will.
As minicamps begin and training camp looms, all eyes will be on how Loveland integrates into the offense. Will he become an immediate starter? Will he see significant snaps in red zone packages? Can he develop into a 1,000-yard threat over time? These are questions that will play out over the course of the season, but what’s already clear is that the Bears view Loveland as much more than just a rookie—they view him as a pillar.
In a league where tight ends like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews have redefined what the position can be, the Bears believe Colston Loveland can join that upper echelon. It’s a lofty expectation, but one the team believes is warranted. By signing him early, installing him as a key offensive weapon, and aligning him with a promising young quarterback, the Bears are creating the conditions for Loveland to thrive.
For Chicago, the hope is that years from now, this contract signing won’t just be remembered as a procedural step—it will be remembered as the beginning of something special. With Colston Loveland locked in, the future of Bears football just got a whole lot brighter.