3 Bears on Thin Ice Even After Encouraging Win

1. TE Gerald Everett

General manager Ryan Poles built up a ton of goodwill since being hired in January of 2022 through savvy drafting, trades, and talent development that is beginning to bear fruit.

With that in mind, it feels like he missed on this one. Everett was brought in as a free agent from the Chargers as a tight end with a track record of solid secondary receiving production. Never a full-time starter, the 30-year-old could be counted on for 400-500 yards as a healthy depth option. Next to a young, improving Cole Kmet he was also signed as an additional veteran presence to steady the development of Caleb Williams.

Ah, the best-laid plans. Everett has been a relative zero. With 22 total yards through five games and a 35% snap rate (only a fraction higher than NFL lore-keeper Marcedes Lewis’ 22%). Everett may remain valuable as a pass blocker, but unless a new connection materializes between him and Williams, his usage may only fall further.