Chicago Bears Sign Tight End Durham Smythe After Miami Dolphins Release
The Chicago Bears have officially confirmed the signing of veteran tight end Durham Smythe after his release from the Miami Dolphins. The move comes as part of the Bears’ ongoing effort to strengthen their offensive unit ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Smythe, a reliable and experienced tight end, brings depth and versatility to Chicago’s roster, adding another dimension to their passing and blocking schemes.
Durham Smythe, 28, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. Over six seasons with the Dolphins, he developed into a dependable tight end, contributing both as a receiver and a blocker. Though he was never the primary pass-catching option in Miami’s offense, Smythe played a crucial role in supporting the Dolphins’ offensive schemes, particularly in the run game.
During the 2023 season, Smythe recorded 35 receptions for 366 yards, continuing to showcase his reliability in short-yardage and red-zone situations. While his touchdown numbers have never been eye-catching, his ability to create space for teammates and provide solid protection for quarterbacks made him a valuable asset in Miami.
However, the Dolphins opted to part ways with Smythe in an effort to clear salary cap space and explore other options at the tight end position. With his release, he quickly became a sought-after free agent, and the Chicago Bears wasted no time in securing his services.
For the Chicago Bears, signing Durham Smythe addresses a key need for depth at the tight end position. While Cole Kmet has been their primary tight end and a consistent contributor in the passing game, the Bears were looking for a reliable second option to complement him. Smythe fits the bill perfectly, offering Chicago a strong blocking tight end who can also contribute as a pass-catcher when needed.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has emphasized the importance of physicality and versatility in his offensive strategy. Smythe’s skill set aligns well with this approach, as he has proven to be an effective blocker who can also make crucial catches when called upon. Additionally, his experience in Miami’s dynamic offense will be valuable in helping Chicago implement different looks and formations.
Smythe’s arrival provides quarterback Justin Fields (or any potential new signal-caller, depending on offseason moves) with another reliable target. His ability to work in short-yardage situations and serve as an additional layer of pass protection will benefit the Bears’ offensive strategy.
The Bears have been working to improve their offensive line and overall offensive efficiency, and Smythe’s blocking skills will be crucial in helping establish a more consistent running game. With running backs like Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson in the backfield, adding a tight end known for his blocking prowess can significantly enhance the Bears’ rushing attack
The signing of Durham Smythe signals the Bears’ commitment to bolstering their roster as they look to become more competitive in the NFC North. With free agency and the draft still ahead, Chicago is expected to continue making moves to solidify their offensive unit.
For Smythe, the change of scenery provides him with a fresh start and an opportunity to make an impact in a new system. While he was a respected player in Miami, he now has the chance to carve out a bigger role with the Bears.
As Chicago prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Smythe integrates into their offense and whether his presence can help elevate the team’s performance. If he can bring the same level of consistency and reliability that he displayed in Miami, the Bears may have found a valuable piece to aid their quest for success.
