Tight end Durham Smythe has found a new team, and it comes with a familiar connection.
After being released by the Miami Dolphins in mid-February — along with Kendall Fuller and Raheem Mostert — Smythe has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears, according to reports.
Because Smythe was cut before free agency officially began, he was free to sign with any team immediately, unlike unrestricted free agents who have to wait for the negotiating window to open.
In Chicago, Smythe will reunite with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was part of the Dolphins coaching staff during Smythe’s rookie season in 2018. Johnson, who left Miami in 2019 after Adam Gase’s departure, spent the past several years with the Detroit Lions before taking over in Chicago this offseason.
The Bears currently have three tight ends under contract for 2025 — starter Cole Kmet, along with Jordan Murray and Joel Wilson, who are both signed to future deals. This could give Smythe a solid chance to claim the No. 2 tight end spot, especially after falling down the depth chart in Miami last season.
Chicago has already been active this offseason, reaching agreements to acquire guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson from the Chiefs and Rams, respectively, with those trades expected to be finalized once the new league year starts on March 12.
Smythe had been one of the Dolphins’ longest-tenured players, joining the team as a fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft and sharing that distinction with kicker Jason Sanders. After starting at least 12 games for five straight seasons, Smythe’s role diminished in 2024 following the arrival of veteran Jonnu Smith. His production dropped to just nine receptions after a career-best 35 catches in 2023. More notably, his playing time fell from 76 percent of offensive snaps to just 32 percent.
Following Smythe’s release, the Dolphins have four tight ends under contract for 2025 — Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, and Hayden Rucci. Jack Stoll, who was claimed off waivers from the Eagles, is set to become a free agent next week.