Bears Sign Free Agent Tight End Who Could Be Secret Weapon This Season
By Jovan Alford
The Chicago Bears have made a concerted effort in free agency to address the offense for whoever will be the starting quarterback next season. Chicago signed veteran running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year deal Monday and was reportedly in the mix for free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis.
The Bears hope to be a contender in the NFC North in 2024, but the offense has to go to the next level. Chicago added another playmaker to its offense, signing veteran tight end Gerald Everett, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Source: #Bears have agreed to terms with tight end Gerald Everett.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2024
Everett will reportedly receive a two-year deal for $12 million, which includes $6.1 million fully guaranteed, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
TE Gerald Everett's two-year deal with the Bears is for $12M, including $6.1M fully guaranteed, and it's worth up to $14M with incentives, per source. @TheAthleticNFL
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 12, 2024
Many Bears fans didn’t have the tight end position as a need in free agency, as the team already has Cole Kmet. However, Everett has worked with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Seattle and Los Angeles.
The veteran tight end will provide an immediate boost to the tight end room, as Chicago lacked production behind Cole Kmet over the last few seasons. This past season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Everett racked up 51 receptions (70 targets) for 411 yards and three touchdowns.
Gerald Everett had 51 receptions last season.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 12, 2024
Bears tight ends not named Cole Kmet have *combined* for 44 receptions over the past *3* seasons.
The 29-year-old pass catcher has posted back-to-back 50-catch seasons with the Chargers. He will try to carry that streak into Chicago, where the Bears don’t have proven playmakers in the passing game outside of Kmet and Moore.
Kmet is coming off an outstanding 2023 campaign, producing 73 receptions (90 targets) for 719 yards and six touchdowns. We are starting to get an early look at Chicago’s new-look offense under Waldron, and it's coming together in a very distinctive way.
More Bears news and analysis:
feed