Shane Waldron Expected To Push Bears Towards Two Notable Free Agents

The arrival of Shane Waldron as the new offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears means one thing. Change is coming. Why he may run a similar offensive scheme to the departed Luke Getsy, it is also different in many ways. That means he will require the right players to run it. Certain names on the Bears roster aren’t going anywhere. D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and most of the offensive line are obvious ones. That said, it isn’t crazy to assume Waldron may like to bring in some players who know him and the system he wants to run.

Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus pinpointed two names on the upcoming free agent market that feel like obvious Bears targets. Both come from the same position, one where Chicago could have some depth issues if not addressed.

Tight end.

“53. TE NOAH FANT, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders

Fant still shows flashes of the top-end athleticism that made him the No. 20 overall pick out of Iowa back in the 2020 NFL Draft, including a pivotal 51-yard catch-and-run from Drew Lock in Week 4 against the Giants that set up a touchdown. Fant has averaged at least 4.5 yards after the catch per reception in all five seasons of his career while posting a career drop rate of just 3.4%. Chicago adds a move tight end who can work well alongside Cole Kmet as the inline tight end while also reuniting with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

83. TE GERALD EVERETT, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Potential landing spot(s): Chicago Bears

This is Chicago going the veteran route as opposed to the younger Fant. New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was the Los Angeles Rams‘ tight ends coach in 2017 when a rookie Everett was their second-round pick. Everett and Kmet run hard in space and look to bowl over defenders, but Everett is far more shifty and can make defenders miss in space. This could be a strong duo to bolster 12-personnel looks after Robert Tonyan struggled to produce in 2023.”

Fant never quite lived up to his potential as a former 1st round pick, but he’s still had a productive career as a #3 or #4 option in the passing game. Everett is much the same. He was an unsung hero for the Rams during his early years before having a career-best season in 2021 under Waldron’s direction.

Shane Waldron loves to use “12” personnel.

That is an alignment that features two tight ends on the field at the same time. Chicago already has Kmet in place. It would make sense to add somebody who can be that second option. Waldron knows what Fant and Everett can do. Both offer solid versatility and shouldn’t be expensive to acquire. Don’t forget Robert Tonyan is a free agent this March. If the Bears don’t plan on bringing him back, then signing either of them makes even more sense. What it comes down to is whether GM Ryan Poles may have plans to address the position in the draft.

Many view Brock Bowers of Georgia as one of the best tight ends to come out in years. The Bears have two picks in the top 10. Could they use the other to grab him? It seems every great offense these days has a great tight end. If Shane Waldron feels Bowers can be another George Kittle, it would make sense. Otherwise, Fant and Everett feel like obvious targets for this team. Don’t be surprised to hear their names pop up next month. Either would be a solid depth addition to the roster.