This week has proven that Ben Johnson is taking control of the Chicago Bears' roster decision. Ryan Poles may be the one on the phone, finalizing the deals, but it's all being done with the vision that Johnson has in mind for the team moving forward.
That would be the only way to explain the aggressive trades the Bears made in recent days for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. During his introductory press conference, Johnson stressed the importance of the Bears having improved play from their offensive line. The arrivals of Jackson and Thuney certainly are aligned with that goal.
Johnson's vision is coming into focus and the latest signing by the Bears proves that. The Bears are bringing in former Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe on a one-year deal.
The #Bears are signing former #Dolphins TE Durham Smythe to a 1-year deal, source says, as he’s back with Ben Johnson — his former WRs coach in Miami. Smythe was one of the longest tenured Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/KCc7YclSVu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
Latest Chicago Bears' signing begins the tight end turnover
This is not going to be a case where Cole Kmet weirdly takes a backseat to Smythe when the Bears open their 2025 regular season as he did with Gerald Everett last season. Kmet will be the primary tight end in the Bears' offense with Smythe serving as the blocking tight end in Johnson's offense.
Smythe, who was the longest-tenured player on the Dolphins' roster, was with Miami when Johnson was serving as the team's wide receivers coach. In his seven-year career, Smythe has totaled 1,228 yards on 132 receptions with 3 touchdowns.
The expectation isn't that Smythe is joining the Bears to be a pass-catching tight end. Smythe has thrived as a blocking tight end over the course of his career. He will serve in a similar role with the Bears. With Smythe's arrival, it's likely that Marcedes Lewis will not be returning to the Bears. Over the last two seasons, Lewis has served as the blocking tight end in the Bears' offense.
Tight ends were heavily featured in Johnson's offense with the Detroit Lions. The same can be expected for his constructed offense with the Bears. Given that fact, expect the Bears to add another tight end this offseason, one who will likely have a higher upside as a pass catcher.