Gerald Everett, the Chicago Bears' tight end, faces an uncertain future after a lackluster 2024 season. Despite signing a two-year contract worth $12 million, he struggled to make an impact, starting only four games out of 17 and finishing the season with just eight receptions. With Cole Kmet firmly established as TE1, Everett's role diminished significantly, leading analysts to label him a prime cut candidate. Coach Ben Johnson's preference for traditional blocking tight ends, as opposed to Everett's hybrid style, further complicates his position on the team.

Historically, Everett has shown flashes of brilliance, notably his performance against the Chiefs in 2018, but his inconsistent fit in the current offense raises questions. Releasing him could save the Bears $5.5 million in cap space, potentially allowing them to pursue a more suitable replacement like Mike Gesicki or Tyler Conklin. If cut from the Bears, Everett's skills as a safety valve for quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes could make him an attractive option for other teams.

The Chicago Bears are entering an exciting offseason with significant opportunities. With the recent hiring of head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are positioned with the fifth-most salary cap space and four of the first 72 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, roster changes are expected, and some players, like Teven Jenkins, may not return.

Gerald Everett, a tight end who signed a two-year, $12 million contract last year, is facing potential release due to his disappointing performance, finishing with just eight catches for 36 yards. With only $1 million in dead cap, cutting him seems probable unless Johnson can effectively utilize him in the new offensive scheme.

The NFL offseason is heating up as free agency approaches, with many players poised to change teams and affect their fantasy football value. Notable examples from last year include Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, who enhanced their performance after moving to more favorable situations. Conversely, players like Calvin Ridley and Mike Williams saw declines in their fantasy value after suboptimal transfers.

This article ranks the top 15 free agents heading into the 2025 fantasy season. Diontae Johnson, despite being cut by two teams, remains a promising option if he finds the right fit. Javonte Williams may rebound from a lackluster 2024 with a fresh start. Rico Dowdle is coming off a career season and could be a solid RB2 if he stays with Dallas. Zach Ertz continues to prove himself as a viable fantasy tight end. Marquise Brown, after a disappointing year, still holds potential, while Keenan Allen and J.K. Dobbins may also bounce back if they secure favorable contracts.

The Chicago Bears face significant challenges in their tight end department, highlighted by their 512 combined receiving yards in 2024, ranking them fifth lowest in the league. With a rookie quarterback at the helm and a coaching staff seemingly disinterested in utilizing the tight end position, the Bears must confront the reality of their shortcomings. Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis have underperformed, prompting a search for potential upgrades.

Options include veterans like Zach Ertz, who had 66 receptions and seven touchdowns with the Washington Commanders. His rapport with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels raises questions about whether Bears GM Ryan Poles will invest in a seasoned tight end. Mike Gesicki from the Cincinnati Bengals and Austin Hooper from the New England Patriots are also viable options, each having demonstrated productive seasons. However, the tight end class in the upcoming draft appears thin, with only a couple of potential first-round talents.

Chicago Bears' general manager Ryan Poles has faced significant criticism due to his inability to improve the team's performance in his three-year tenure, with a dismal 29.4% winning percentage and last-place finishes in the NFC North.

This article outlines the ten most egregious decisions made by Poles, highlighting key moves that have led to the Bears’ current state of despair. Drafting Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze showed promise but raises questions about alternative choices that could have been made. Overpaying Montez Sweat and trading away Khalil Mack are among other decisions that have sparked scrutiny.