The Bears went out and found a bona fide second tight end option, signing Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter.
Justin Fields gets another pass catcher to throw to in 2023, as Tonyan makes for a sneaky good option downfield.
Tonyan, 28, is an Illinois native (McHenry) and has experience with Bears' offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. He is a massive frame, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 237 pounds.
The veteran tight end had a breakout season in 2020, hauling in 586 yards receiving and reaching the endzone 11 times. He's dropped off since then, recording 674 total receiving yards over the last two seasons and four total touchdowns. During the 2021 season, Tonyan tore his ACL, but returned to the field the following season, playing in all 17 games.
Either way, Tonyan is a viable option next to Cole Kmet, the Bears' mainstay tight end. His career 77.8 percent catch rate is enticing and he holds a career 10.5 yards per reception mark.
Tonyan marks the second pass catcher the Bears have brought in this offseason, alongside D.J. Moore. The Bears traded for Moore in their haul back from the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
