5 reasons for optimism as Bears prepare for training camp

Believe it or not, there are reasons to be optimistic about the Bears heading into training camp. Yes, even on offense.

4. Chicago upgraded at tight end

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

There were a lot of issues with Chicago’s offense last season, but tight end was one of the biggest. Given the importance of the tight end in Matt Nagy’s offense, the offense struggled with a lack of production at the position, which totaled 36 receptions, 416 receiving yards and just 2 touchdowns. The Bears lost their top three tight ends to injured reserve — in Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker — but they weren’t producing on the field prior to that.

This offseason, the Bears have overhauled their tight ends room, bringing in three new players that all figure to occupy one of the four tight end roster spots in rookie Cole Kmet and veterans Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris. While Chicago already released Burton this offseason, Shaheen figures to be on his way out. He’ll likely miss out on a roster spot given the Bears already have their “Y” tight ends in Kmet and Harris.

[lawrence-related id=445762,449822,449751,449643]