6 Bears on the Bubble Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

5. Stephen Carlson, Tight End

Undrafted out of Princeton in 2019, Stephen Carlson signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. The Ivy Leaguer had 51 yards and a touchdown on five receptions during his rookie campaign. Since then, he’s recorded just one more reception for another 11 yards.

Carlson continued to make the roster in Cleveland despite the lack of production in the regular season. It wasn’t his fault since he was buried behind players such as David Njoku, Austin Hooper, and Harrison Bryant for much of his tenure. Despite the talent around him, Carlson often stood out in the preseason as a threat in the passing game. He ran clean routes and had soft hands but just didn’t do enough to surpass the tight ends ahead of him.

Even without getting snaps on offense frequently, Carlson played 336 snaps on special teams in 2020 for the Browns. He was solid in this role and even scored a two-point conversion when he recovered a blocked kick against the Dallas Cowboys.

Carlson ended his time with the Browns on the IR in 2021, unable to suit up for any games. After not signing in 2022, he joined the Bears last season and hardly saw the field, recording one special teams snap. Now, he might not even make the roster in 2024.

Cole Kmet has the No. 1 spot locked down and Gerald Everett was signed this offseason. This marks the third team he’s played for under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Chicago also brought back veteran Marcedes Lewis, a blocking machine at the position.

All the talent at the position means Carlson will likely be on the way out ahead of Week 1 even though he’s a solid option on special teams.