The Chicago Bears stood out by doing their own thing during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and at a time when their every action (and inaction) is subject to overanalysis, with the new league year starting on March 11.
That does not mean that what the Bears do cannot prove informative.
That could be the case with former Alabama Crimson Tide Josh Cuevas, who name-dropped the Bears during his media availability.
Crimson Tide Playmaker Name-Drops Bears
Bears Show Interest in Ex-Alabama Playmaker
The Bears pulled a slightly surprising decision last year, selecting Colston Loveland 10th overall ahead of Tyler Warren, who went 14th to the Indianapolis Colts.
They could still have big plans for the position.
“Alabama TE Josh Cuevas, notable TE name in this class,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported on X on February 26. “Interestingly — said his one formal meeting at the combine this week is with the Chicago Bears.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Cuevas to Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas, a fourth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2018.
Cuevas caught 37 passes for 411 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide in 2025.
“Cuevas’ lack of ideal measurables could push some evaluators to slap him with a fullback label, but “combo tight end” fits best. He attacks blocking assignments with better toughness and technique than most in the class,” Zierlein wrote in his draft profile.
“Squares blocks and strains to sustain whether in-line, from the slot or as a lead blocker. Cuevas pairs burst/route knowledge to compete against man coverage over the first two levels and is a reliable target in traffic. He’s a well-rounded talent with the demeanor to become a productive pro.”
The 6-foot-3 Cuevas would add a different dynamic to the Bears’ offense and could be a fine long-term complement to Loveland.
Bears Could Bolster TE Room
Notably, Cuevas’ physical profile is closer to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s than Loveland’s. There were plenty of comparisons of Loveland to LaPorta, including from Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Loveland had a tremendous rookie season, especially as the season wound down, considering he was injured until training camp.
The Bears’ interest in Cuevas could bring Cole Kmet’s future into question, due in part to his $11.6 million cap hit in 2026, but he is signed through 2027.
More urgently, Durham Smythe is a free agent this offseason.
The 6-foot-6 Smythe notably operated as the Bears’ H-back last season, but the role has typically gone to players more of Cuevas’ mold. That could be the vision the Bears have, along with their high volume of sets utilizing multiple tight ends.