The Chicago Bears are keeping their options open in the 2026 NFL Draft as they try to find the right young talent for the roster.
Bears have not been afraid to add players to positions where they are established starters and backups if they are the right fit. While there are some big needs like edge rusher, safety, and wide receiver, there might be another position that will get some attention.
NFL reporter Arye Pulli shared that Utah tight end Dallen Bentley has met with multiple NFL teams more than once, including the Bears. Bentley caught 48 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns last season.
Could the Bears be targeting Dallen Bentley to replace Cole Kmet?
Kmet has struggled since Caleb Williams became the starting quarterback in 2024, with his stats declining. Last year was the lowest since his rookie season back in 2018 with 347 yards and two touchdowns.
The emergence of 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland did not help Kmet at all, as it brought in questions about his future with the franchise. Kmet has been the subject of trade talks and potentially being released so the Bears could save money against the cap.
Bentley has only one really good college season that showed what he can do, but he doesn't have enough tape to be considered a first-round pick. Chicago could consider him for a Day 2 or 3 pick and someone who could develop into Loveland's backup of the future.
This isn't an indictment of Kmet, as he can still be one of the top 15 tight ends in the NFL when he plays, but his contract is getting too expensive, and the Bears are looking for ways to acquire good talent while saving money. It may be tough to trade or release Kmet with DJ Moore gone from the team after his trade, but adding a third tight end to replace Durham Smythe would be good.
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The Bears would get a solid tight end in Bentley and someone who could jump in quickly to replace Kmet in the near future.