Former Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan was one of the most wanted men in Chicago during his time with the Packers. Since joining the Chicago Bears this offseason, Tonyan has gone from an enemy to one of the most highly anticipated players by fans this season.
The Tonyan signing could be a massive development in the progress of Justin Fields, who has made some serious strides this offseason, according to Bleacher Report.
Just how good can Robert Tonyan be for the Chicago Bears?
Having a tight end like Tonyan on the depth chart opens up the entire offense. He's the perfect safety valve for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus' system. When Bears quarterback Justin Fields drops back for a pass, after reading his progressions and no one else is open, he'll have Tonyan in the flat or down the middle. Don't be surprised if Tonyan is Fields' best friend by the end of the 2023 season.
Similarly, Tonyan's sharp route-running and sturdy hands place him among the top tight ends in the league. He's also an exceptional blocker, as demonstrated in this video. He paved the way for all three of Packers running back Aaron Jones' 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Tonyan was criminally underrated during his time with the Packers. This comes as a surprise. The Packers were Super Bowl contenders during his entire tenure with the team. He was one of the most notorious Pro Bowl snubs in 2021. Tonyan wasn't given a Pro Bowl nod after hauling in 52 catches for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2020 season.
Tonyan joins a Bears team hungry to get out of hibernation and contend for the NFC North title. He's one of the Bears' prized offseason acquisitions, along with former Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards and former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Prediction for Tonyan:
50 catches for 700 yards and five touchdowns.