The Chicago Bears are reportedly poised to acquire former Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe, as indicated by several reports on Thursday. Smythe, 29, entered the market earlier than expected after the Dolphins released him in February.

He is eligible to join a team before the official start of free agency on March 12. Smythe previously collaborated with the Bears’ new head coach, Ben Johnson, during the 2018 season when both were with the Dolphins; Smythe was a rookie tight end, and Johnson served as the wide receivers coach.

Currently, the Bears have only one tight end, veteran Cole Kmet, coming back from the previous season. The team parted ways with experienced player Gerald Everett in February to create more salary cap flexibility. Smythe is anticipated to ink a one-year deal with the Bears.

While Kmet is expected to remain the primary tight end in the Bears’ aerial offense, the team requires more depth at that position. Smythe has played his entire seven-year NFL tenure in Miami, where he managed only nine receptions for 53 yards last season. This was a contrast from his career-best 35 catches for 366 yards in 2023.

Nonetheless, he is predominantly recognized as a blocking tight end rather than a receiving one. In Detroit, Johnson frequently employed multiple tight ends in his dynamic Lions offense.

While Sam LaPorta was the main target among tight ends, Brock Wright participated in 51% of the Lions’ offensive plays, although he caught just 13 passes throughout the season. Johnson might be contemplating a similar function for Smythe in Chicago.