The Ben Johnson era is officially underway in Chicago, and it started with two trade acquisitions to the Bears’ offensive line in Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. Now, Johnson is adding a familiar face to the mix, bringing in tight end Durham Smythe on a one-year deal.
Bears Upgrading Run Game With Key Blocker
Known for his blocking ability, Smythe brings experience and versatility to Chicago’s tight end room and will slot in right behind Cole Kmet on the depth chart. His addition signals a shift in the Bears’ approach, emphasizing reliability and depth as they reshape their roster to help better serve quarterback Caleb Williams for the upcoming season.
During his tenure in Detroit, Johnson showcased that he loved to use different run formations, and with the two-man platoon of the shifty D’Andre Swift and the more north-to-south runner in Roschon Johnson, the Bears are trying to serve up their version of Sonic and Knuckles in Chicago.
The #Bears are signing former #Dolphins TE Durham Smythe to a 1-year deal, source says, as he’s back with Ben Johnson — his former WRs coach in Miami. Smythe was one of the longest tenured Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/KCc7YclSVu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2025
Smythe brings connections to both head coach Ben Johnson, who crossed paths with him as Miami’s receivers coach early in his career, and Kmet, his former teammate at Notre Dame. With his blocking expertise and established rapport, Smythe adds both experience and chemistry to Chicago’s offense.
Bears Thinking Run First
Smythe caught just nine passes for 53 yards last season for the Miami Dolphins, so this is not a marquee move that’s going to dramatically change the Bears offense. However, with weapons in place like D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, this is more about shoring up their protection for Williams.
Under Johnson, the Bears are expected to emphasize the run game, crafting an offense designed to make things easier on Williams. A huge reason for Jared Goff’s success in Detroit was because they drafted one of the best offensive lines in the game and then added weapons in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs around that.
Johnson and the Bears recognize the value of a strong rushing attack in alleviating pressure and controlling the tempo. Behind a revamped offensive line featuring newcomers Jackson and Thuney, Chicago’s ground game should be more formidable than in recent years.