Bears are set to have one TE join the 'Tight End University' festivities this week and it's not one you'd have in mind to be in attendance

Bears TE Durham Smythe heads to TE University

Chicago Bears newest tight end, Durham Smythe, will be heading to Nashville, Tennessee this week to take part in TE University.

And it makes sense why Smythe is the lone Bear making the trip. Cole Kmet, who attended the summit last offseason, recently got married and likely wants to spend time with his new wife. Colston Loveland, the team's first-round selection in April, is still limited with what he's allowed to do physically coming off a shoulder surgery.

But, it's great to see Smythe's name included on the list of attendees looking to get some extra summer work in prior to training camp.

Durham Smythe's unique team role in 2025 

When the Bears signed Smythe back in early March to a one-year deal, many overlooked or brushed off the move.

Signing Smythe was intentional by head coach Ben Johnson. Smythe and Johnson overlapped in Miami while Johnson was on the Dolphins' offensive staff. Since Johnson left, Smythe carved out a underrated role in Mike McDaniel's offense.

Smythe has played 112 games in seven NFL seasons. He's not the flashiest tight end making big plays like a Kelce or Kittle, but his role is still important to an offense. Which makes it cool that he's going to be at TE University to work with young tight ends who play a similar-style game and are looking for pointers from a veteran.

Smythe will bring tons of versatility and depth to the Bears' offense as well, something Johnson clearly took note of. He's a player that can do the dirty work as a blocker and offer different looks to opposing defenses.

"He's a little bit of a Swiss Army knife... It's motions, its shifts, it's base blocking the 9-technique, it's inserting through the interior of the O-line to block the linebackers, so the versatility really stands out," Johnson explained via ChicagoBears.com. "We have a smart player that can move all over our offense, filling at the Y, filling at the F. To me, the value for that particular role is off the charts."

Smythe's not going to be a 10, or even five, touchdown guy in the Bears' offense this season. Yet, he still has a role and will see solid playing time in Johnson's scheme.