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Bears 'Targeting' Free-Agent TE After Release From Dolphins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan J. Wilson | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 7:43 AM ET

The Chicago Bears are getting all their ducks in a row ahead of the official start to NFL free agency next week, but they may still add another talent before then.

In the past two days alone, the Bears have made two major trades to fortify their offensive line for the 2025 season, acquiring guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams and All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, the Bears seem to have their eyes on a new blocking tight end.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bears are "targeting" veteran free-agent tight end Durham Smythe following his release from the Miami Dolphins in February. Since Miami cut Smythe, he can sign with a new team anytime.

"The #Bears are indeed targeting free-agent TE Durham Smythe, per sources," Fowler wrote. "Seven-year Dolphin overlapped with Ben Johnson in 2018."

Smythe wasn't the most prolific pass-catching tight end over his seven seasons with the Dolphins, but he is a solid blocker who could complement Bears starter Cole Kmet in a role similar to the one Marcedes Lewis held the past two years.

Smythe isn't devoid of receiving production, either.

While Smythe has never eclipsed 400 receiving yards in a season, he has caught 75.4% of his career targets (132 of 175) and is just one year removed from a career-high 35 receptions for 366 yards for the Dolphins in 2023.

The Bears could use more tight end depth with the 40-year-old Lewis bound for free agency and veteran Gerald Everett no longer on the roster. Chicago released Everett for cap relief in February after a disappointing 2024 season.

With Smythe, the Bears can at least explore a potential fit for them before the NFL's legal tampering period opens negotiations at noon ET on March 10.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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