5 Bears veterans who have played their final down for Chicago
By Ryan Heckman
2. Robert Tonyan, TE
If you look at Shane Waldron's offenses in Seattle, he was especially keen on using 12 and 13 personnel. That means the Bears are going to have to find upgrades at the tight end position alongside Cole Kmet. Last year, signing Robert Tonyan was supposed to give the Bears that legitimate second option in the tight end room, but he didn't live up to expectations.
Tonyan was inconsistent in the passing game and almost non-existent in run blocking situations. If you mention his name to Bears fans, the first thing they'll bring up is that almost-touchdown against the Browns that could have completely swung the outcome of that game. Justin Fields had Tonyan wide open down field, but Tonyan dropped it. The Bears lost by three, 20-17.
I have a strong feeling the Bears will be using a draft pick on a tight end to pair with Kmet. Using 12 personnel with a running quarterback like Fields, or even a mobile guy like Caleb Williams, could have its advantages. Waldron was a whiz in whipping up creative plays using a variety of tight ends in Seattle, and he could do the same in Chicago, assuming they have the right players.