NFC North tight end units ranked from worst to best in 2023

2. Chicago Bears

Cole Kmet, Robert Tonyan, Jake Tonges, Chase Allen, Stephen Carlson

Starting tight end Cole Kmet enters an important fourth season with the Bears. The former second-round pick is entering a contract year, giving him the opportunity to prove why he deserves a multi-year deal, either in Chicago or elsewhere next offseason.

Kmet has been a solid starter, but he hasn't yet taken that next step. Last season, Kmet caught 50 passes for 544 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns. In 2021, he made 60 catches for 612 yards.

He is joined by former Packers tight end Robert Tonyan.

Tonyan was excellent in 2020, making 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he has struggled for consistency since. His 2021 season was cut short due to a torn ACL.

However, playing as the No. 2 tight end may help Tonyan, and he is also entering his second season after the ACL injury. Signing Tonyan was a smart, low-risk move by the Bears, and there's a good chance he will enjoy a bounce-back year in Chicago.

A tight end combination of Kmet and Tonyan gives the Bears plenty of talent and experience at the position. But there is one team in the NFC North ahead of them.