The Chicago Bears didn’t do a ton of big spending in free agency this year. That was likely by design. GM Ryan Poles has said several times that he wants to avoid the veteran market. Sinking big money into free agents every year is not the right way to build a winning team. That said, it doesn’t mean the market is useless. If you’re smart with your money, good teams always find hidden gems that can help them from year to year. Chicago did extremely well last season with the additions of Andrew Billings, T.J. Edwards, and Tremaine Edmunds.
Most of the attention this spring was on two former Philadelphia Eagles: safety Kevin Byard and running back D’Andre Swift. Both bring the exact qualities to their respective positions the Bears were hoping for. However, former scout Greg Gabriel believes one name is getting overlooked. While Cole Kmet is the primary tight end in the Bears’ offense, the arrival of Gerald Everett gives them a degree of flexibility they haven’t had over the past couple of seasons.
What the Bears haven’t had in recent years is a quality move tight end. In free agency, they signed former Ram and Charger Gerald Everett, who isn’t in the category of a Kittle or Kelce, but he is darn good in his own right.
Over the last four seasons, Everett has averaged about 50 receptions a year and three touchdowns. His signing gives the Bears another weapon when they go to 12 personnel that they haven’t had recently.
Everett is a good athlete with good play speed and sure hands. He can consistently get open and is a good runner after the catch. He also has plenty of experience in the Bears offense scheme, having played for Bears Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron when both were with the Rams and Seahawks.
The Chicago Bears have more flexibility with Everett.
He can line up in a variety of spots, creating potential mismatches. He’s too quick for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. Few know his value better than offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The two worked together in both Los Angeles and Seattle. Everett had his best season under Waldron’s direction in 2021. The craziest part of all this is Everett is likely the Bears’ #5 option in the passing game. That means defenses will put their fifth-best man in coverage on him. That is a winning strategy from Chicago’s perspective.
Everett is good for around 400-500 yards and three or four touchdowns every year. That may not sound like a lot, but it certainly is for a #2 tight end. It depends on how often the Bears use him and what his chemistry is with new quarterback Caleb Williams. The #1 overall pick didn’t utilize tight ends much at USC. It might be an adjustment for him to do so in the NFL. Then again, he’s smart enough to throw to the open man. Everett knows how to get open.
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