Longtime NFL tight end Robert Tonyan has signed a new contract with the Chicago Bears. Tonyan, a five-year veteran, has spent the entirety of his career with the Green Bay Packers.
Bears are signing former Packers’ TE Robert Tonyan to a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023
Robert Tonyan, Chicago Bears, Agree to Contract
Robert Tonyan hits free agency after yet another productive year in Green Bay. Appearing in all 17 games, the tight end finished the season with a career-high 53 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns on 67 targets, which also represents a career best mark.
Tonyan originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Signed by the Green Bay Packers, the Indiana State product spent most of his rookie year riding the bench. During the 2018 campaign, Tonyan finished with just four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown on six targets.
Tonyan’s role increased in 2019, but he was still largely an afterthought in the passing attack. Playing in 11 games, the tight end finished his second season in the league with 10 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets.
Following those two pedestrian seasons, Tonyan broke out in 2020 while establishing himself as a key part of the offense. Playing in all 16 games, the tight end recorded 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns on 59 targets. The yardage and touchdowns remain career highs, and his 3.25 receptions per game remain the best mark of his career.
Unfortunately, Tonyan was unable to replicate his success in 2021. While he was still an important part of the offense, injuries limited him to just eight games. When on the field, the former undrafted free agent hauled in 18 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets.
In total, Tonyan has played in 68 games throughout the course of his five-year career. Over that stretch, the tight end has recorded 137 receptions for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns on 176 targets. He has been a part of two of Aaron Rodgers’ MVP campaigns.
Main Photo: Dan Powers – USA Today Sports
