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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, known for his affinity for tight ends, is reportedly showing significant interest in Utah tight end Dallen Bentley ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. This comes after the Bears invested high draft picks in tight ends Sam LaPorta and Colston Loveland in recent years, and opted not to re-sign veteran tight end Durham Smythe. The interest in Bentley, who had a breakout season in 2025, suggests Johnson may look to further bolster the tight end position, potentially even in the early rounds of the draft.
Why it matters
Johnson’s tight end-centric approach has been a hallmark of his offenses, and the Bears’ continued investment in the position could signal an intention to lean heavily on multiple-tight end sets. This strategy could provide Chicago’s offense with a unique advantage, but also raises questions about how the team will allocate resources across other positions of need.
The details
Across his four years as an offensive coordinator and head coach, Johnson’s teams have invested three draft picks at the tight end position, including a 2nd round pick in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and a 1st round pick in 2025 (Colston Loveland). The buzz around the Bears’ interest in Utah’s Dallen Bentley, who had a breakout 640-yard, 6-touchdown season in 2025, suggests Johnson may not be done adding to his tight end arsenal.
In 2023, the Bears drafted Sam LaPorta in the 2nd round.In 2025, the Bears drafted Colston Loveland in the 1st round.In 2026, the Bears are showing “significant” interest in Utah TE Dallen Bentley ahead of the NFL Draft.
The players
Ben Johnson
The head coach of the Chicago Bears, known for his affinity for tight ends and tendency to invest draft capital in the position.
Dallen Bentley
A tight end prospect from the University of Utah who had a breakout season in 2025, catching 640 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Sam LaPorta
A tight end drafted by the Bears in the 2nd round in 2023.
Colston Loveland
A tight end drafted by the Bears in the 1st round in 2025.
Durham Smythe
A veteran tight end who played for the Bears in 2025 but signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency in 2026.
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What they’re saying
“The #Saints and #Lions have expressed ‘significant’ interest in Utah TE Dallen Bentley.”
— Arye Pulli
What’s next
The Bears will continue to evaluate tight end prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and could look to trade up or add additional draft capital to target Dallen Bentley or other tight ends they have identified as fits for Ben Johnson’s offense.
The takeaway
Ben Johnson’s continued focus on tight ends suggests the Bears offense could lean heavily on multiple-tight end sets in the coming seasons, potentially providing a unique strategic advantage but also raising questions about how the team will balance resources across other positions of need.