The Chicago Bears traded their top wide receiver in DJ Moore, and have Luther Burden III poised to step up in his absence alongside Rome Odunze. And yet, the top option in the Bears’ offense could be tight end Colston Loveland.
It would be a repeat performance for the former 10th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Loveland’s value to the Bears goes beyond what he brings as a receiver, and it has landed him among select company.
Bears’ Colston Loveland Draws Attention After Strong Rookie Season
Colston Loveland Poised to Lead Bears Offense Again
Loveland was one of 10 players The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen selected for his “most versatile players” list heading into the 2026 campaign.
Nguyen argued that in the “era of the tight end,” Loveland is among the “select few who are good to elite” as blockers and receivers. Nguyen believes Loveland is “poised to take” the mantle of “the only tight end truly elite” at both from San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle.
Loveland “improved into a good blocker” and led an “explosive passing game” by season’s end.
“Loveland is a dynamic and crafty route runner,” Nguyen wrote on June 15. “Last season, Kittle led the league for tight ends in yards per route run (2.18). Loveland finished second (1.86) but — as with most rookie tight ends — had a slow start. In his final six games, Loveland averaged 2.42 yards per route run. With more experience and Williams entering his second year in Ben Johnson’s offense, Loveland could well be the most productive receiving tight end in the league and be even better as a blocker.”
Loveland finished his rookie season with 58 receptions for 713 yards and 6 touchdowns. He tacked on another 12 receptions and 193 yards for the Bears in the postseason.
The Bears’ offense could be more diverse, particularly at wide receiver, with Burden potentially earning more consistent targets than Moore did last season and newcomer Kalif Raymond expected to contribute more than last season’s Week 1 WR3, Olamide Zaccheaus.
Rome Odunze’s nebulous health situation looms large over the group.
That could add targets for Loveland, while the tight end faces similar competition for looks at his position as last season in veteran Cole Kmet with rookie Sam Roush replacing Durham Smythe.
Colston Loveland Gets Honest About Big Difference
Johnson and the Bears have raved about Loveland, including this offseason, where they are getting a look at the big-bodied playmaker that they could not last time around. Nugyen noted Loveland’s “strong rapport” with quarterback Caleb Williams.
That is something the duo was unable to build last spring as the then-rookie worked his way back from offseason shoulder surgery for an injury suffered in college.
Loveland noted how being on the field during the offseason program felt.
“It’s great, man. All glory to God for being healthy, being out there with the teammates during OTAs,” Loveland told Clocker Sports on June 9 when asked directly. “This is fun. Where else would you rather be?”
If Loveland’s progress when finally on the field last season are any indication, he could get off to a fast start en route to another season leading the Bears, if not more.
