Former Bear Is Begging The Team To Keep J.P. Holtz

It’s a whole new world in the tight end room for the Chicago Bears this year. Or so it seems. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy set out with a clear plan to fix that position this offseason. They brought in seven new faces headlined by former All-Pro Jimmy Graham, 2nd round pick Cole Kmet, and blocking specialist Demetrius Harris. While they’ve made big impressions already in training camp, former Bear Tom Thayer is really hoping the team doesn’t forget J.P. Holtz.

For those who perhaps forgot, here’s a quick recap. Holtz was waived by the Redskins last season. A day later the Bears claimed his rights. After not seeing action the first two weeks, the tight end began to find a niche in the offense ironically against Washington. In addition to being a tight end, he also filled a role as a fullback blocking for David Montgomery.

This is a job he would fulfill the rest of the season and did a decent job of it. Thayer believes Holtz is somebody that brings something vital to the position.

“To me, the guy that has brought in the most physical aspect of the tight end position and the middle of the season was J.P. Holtz. I’m not going to forget about this guy because he brings a different attitude to the tight end room. He’s not this high profile ex-basketball player that has an extreme catching radius. But if you want someone to hit you right in the face? To kind of set the tone for the running game? J.P. Holtz is my guy.”

J.P. Holtz has attitude and the Bears need lots of that

One thing the Bears have always liked to use is somebody in an H-back role. That means he splits time between tight end and fullback depending on the situation. He can move around to create mismatches. Holtz proved he was capable of this last season. He’s a fierce blocker who isn’t afraid to get after it. Then when asked to go out and make a catch, he has more ability than he gets credit for.

Right now it feels like the Bears have three tight end spots locked down with Graham, Kmet, and Harris. The question then becomes how many more will they carry after that? Probably four or five at most. Holtz is in competition with Jesper Horsted, Eric Saubert, and Ahmad Wagner for those opportunities. His versatile skillset should play in his favor.

That said, this is a different offensive coaching staff from last year. So priorities could change.