NFL – More responsibility for Colston Loveland, and he is more than happy with that.

Colston Loveland: the new metronome of the Bears offense

We all remember the big moments from 2025: Colston Loveland hauling in Caleb Williams’ missiles to light up Soldier Field. But it was not all smooth sailing for the tight end from the start. Through his first six NFL games, the youngster posted brutal numbers with just 11 catches and no touchdowns. Once the thing got rolling, though, the No. 10 overall pick of the Ben Johnson era showed exactly why Chicago backed him. In 2026, his role looks set to get even bigger.

Stepping up after DJ Moore’s exit

The picture has changed in Chicago. DJ Moore’s move to Buffalo leaves a huge hole, but Loveland is not blinking. “We have weapons everywhere,” he said this week. With Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond in the mix, there is no shortage of talent. For the tight end, it does not matter who is carrying the ball. The only thing that matters is being ready when Caleb Williams calls his number. With Moore gone, the door is wide open for Loveland to become the top target in the middle of the field.

Big-time numbers and a new standard

In his first year, Loveland finished with 58 catches, 713 yards and 6 touchdowns. He led the NFC North champions in all three categories, no less. On top of that, he won the Brian Piccolo award for his commitment and work ethic. Now he heads into year two with a major edge: he knows the playbook inside out. “You do not waste time learning the system anymore, you already know how everything works. That is a real head start,” said the Michigan product.

The GM’s eye and the media heat

Ryan Poles, the Bears general manager, still cannot quite believe how quickly his man has developed. “It feels like we drafted Colston yesterday, and to see him have that kind of impact on the team is great,” he said. If the expectations have climbed for 2026, Loveland is keeping his feet on the ground. The growing media attention? He does not care. If anything, he likes it. To him, if defenses decide to zero in on him, that only frees up the other monsters on the offense. Chicago heads into this new season with a target on its back, and Loveland is itching for the challenge.

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