Despite signing a contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason, the team could cut tight end Durham Smythe before he gets a chance to step on the field. According to a report, they believe the Bears would be willing to part ways with Smythe after signing him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product has been an average player with the Miami Dolphins to begin his career, and his production was slowly picking up two years ago after recording 35 receptions for 366 yards while averaging 10.5 yards per catch. Smythe might stay with the Bears for at least one season, even though they did draft Colston Loveland in this year’s first round of the draft, but he probably won’t see much of the field.
It will likely be between Loveland and tight end Cole Kmet, who will be sharing the majority of the snaps. There were trade rumors surrounding Kmet, so it’s interesting to see what the Bears do in this situation as they already have a wide receiver competition set between DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Devin Duvernay and Olamide Zaccheaus. The landscape is changing quickly, and it shouldn’t be surprising if the Bears consider a possible release for Smythe. The veteran was hoping for a fresh start in Chicago, but that looks like it’s out the window.
He might be a safe player in other blocking situations; it’s easier for him to find elsewhere to shine, and these four teams could take a chance on him.
Report: Bears Could Cut Former Fourth Rounder Durham Smythe – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Next Teams
Washington Commanders
Despite signing veteran Zach Ertz to a one-year contract extension this offseason, the Washington Commanders could use another pass-catcher to solidify that department. The team shouldn’t rely too much on their veteran playmakers since they want to begin building weapons in the background eventually, when quarterback Jayden Daniels is eligible for a contract in the next few seasons. Smythe won’t be taking Ertz’s job this upcoming season if he becomes a free agent, but he could be another option in the aerial attack that would get the Commanders to keep pushing the ball down the field.
Smythe would be in a proper position in Washington, considering that backup tight end John Bates performs better when pass-blocking or creating better situations for the backfield unit.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys might have a reliable pass-catching game again, but the tight end department could become questionable. Jake Ferguson is entering the final year of his contract and isn’t in the best position to win another deal since he’s coming off his worst season last year. This leaves Luke Schoonmaker and John Stephens to take over if Ferguson leaves in free agency next offseason. It’s not to say Smythe will start for the Cowboys, but he could be a reliable option since Schoonmaker hasn’t been living up to expectations.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the Chiefs will probably move on without Travis Kelce after the 2025 season is over. The veteran doesn’t know what his future holds beyond this upcoming campaign, and that would leave Noah Gray and Robert Tonyan as the only somewhat capable players to move up the depth chart. While that could be their last-minute option, they could sign Smythe if he becomes available to begin a tight end competition.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens will likely keep Mark Andrews this upcoming season despite rumors that they’re trading him. However, anything can happen, and if he does move on, they will still need some reliable backup for Isaiah Likely. Smythe won’t ever start for this unit, but could be a solid contributor in some trickery play-action plays.
