The Bears have their second tight end in tow. The team reportedly agreed to a deal with Chargers TE Gerald Everett.
Everett will replace Robert Tonyan on the roster, who is not expected to re-sign with the Bears.
When the Bears hired Shane Waldron to take over as the next offensive coordinator, the expectation was that the Bears would add a primarily pass-catching tight end to the roster to complement Cole Kmet's skillset. Kmet has developed nicely as an in-line blocker who can also get open down the seams. Everett has worked plenty as an in-line tight end over the course of his seven-year career, but he also has extensive work both in the slot and even out wide. Now, Waldron can deploy Kmet and Everett in whatever way he thinks is best.
Waldron should have a good idea of how to do that, too. Everett and Waldron have worked together for five seasons between the Rams and the Seahawks, with Waldron even spending one season as Everett's tight ends coach.
The Rams selected Everett in the second round of the 2017 draft. After playing out his rookie contract in Los Angeles, Everett signed a one-year deal to play for the Seahawks. Then Everett went back down the west coast for a second stint in LA, but for two seasons with the Chargers this time.
Over his seven years in the NFL, Everett has 284 receptions for 2,833 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Chicago Bears
The Everett deal is the latest move the Bears have made to reshape their offense, not only to fit Waldron's vision but also to support their next QB-- whoever that QB may be. On Monday the team reportedly agreed to a deal with running back D'Andre Swift to presumably take over as the lead rusher. With Darnell Mooney on the way to Atlanta, the team figures to add at least two wide receivers, whether through the draft or free agency, too.
In addition to Everett and Swift, the Bears have signed All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, traded for interior offensive lineman Ryan Bates, signed star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a long-term contract extension and re-signed long snapper Patrick Scales to a one-year deal.
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