The Chicago Bears made some noise in the draft, and one pick that raised eyebrows came at No. 69 overall: tight end Sam Roush. For many fans, the selection seemed puzzling given the team's depth at the position. But let's break down what Roush's arrival really means—and how it impacts veteran Cole Kmet.

When the Bears drafted Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, the initial assumption was that he was Kmet's eventual replacement. That hasn't been the case. Loveland is a dynamic pass-catching weapon, but Kmet remains the team's primary inline tight end—a role he's excelled in. So, is Roush here to take Kmet's job? Not yet.

Roush, a day-two pick, surprised some fans who expected the Bears to wait until day three for a tight end. But considering how central the tight end position is to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's scheme, the move makes perfect sense. Johnson loves utilizing multiple tight ends, and Roush gives him another versatile piece to work with.

For the 2025 season, think of Roush as the direct replacement for Durham Smythe. He'll step in as the No. 3 tight end, allowing the Bears to run 13 personnel (three tight ends) more frequently—a package they leaned on effectively down the stretch last year. This isn't about replacing Kmet; it's about adding depth and versatility to an offense that thrives on it.

Looking ahead, the real question is how Kmet and Roush coexist long-term. Loveland is clearly the future star in the passing game, but he's also a capable blocker. Johnson wants to keep 12 and 13 personnel as staples of his offense, which means Kmet's role isn't going anywhere—at least not soon.

Here's a smart play for the Bears: extend Kmet's contract by two more years. It shouldn't break the bank, and it would give him enough guaranteed money to secure his roster spot for the next two to three seasons. That would keep Kmet under contract for all four years of Roush's rookie deal and through his age-30 season.

By then, the Bears will know exactly what they have at tight end. Loveland will likely command elite money, so locking in Kmet at a reasonable price now provides stability and flexibility. For now, Roush isn't Kmet's replacement—he's a complementary piece in an offense that's building for sustained success.