The Chicago Bears have no shortage of weapons for third-year quarterback Caleb Williams heading into 2026, and tight end Colston Loveland is primed for a breakout following an impressive rookie season where he emerged as the team’s top pass catcher.
Loveland led the Bears in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713) and tied with touchdowns (6), and he didn’t really get going for a few weeks into the season. In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), Loveland caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. He also set an NFL rookie record with the most receiving yards in a single postseason with 193 yards in two playoff games.
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker explored some possible first-time All Pros heading into the 2026 season, and Loveland was at the top of his list due to his rookie success, continued work with Ben Johnson and consistency amid a young pass catching group.
The Bears’ offense exploded last season, placing ninth in success rate during Ben Johnson’s first year. A significant part of that improved efficiency was Loveland, who looked unstoppable late in the season. Indeed, Loveland’s 86.9 PFF receiving grade was the second-best among qualified tight ends from Week 9 onward, as were his 34 first downs gained.
On an offense full of young — and somewhat unproven — playmakers, Chicago will assuredly continue to funnel the ball through the game-changing Loveland this season. With Travis Kelce declining of late and George Kittle’s status uncertain after suffering a torn Achilles in the playoffs, Loveland should be firmly in the All-Pro mix alongside Trey McBride and Brock Bowers.
It’s hard not to project a breakout year for Loveland, especially after listening to head coach Ben Johnson’s comments about his consistency and expanding his route tree as a pass catcher.
“He’s one of the most consistent players I’ve been around. And that’s saying a lot for a young guy,” head coach Ben Johnson said back during minicamp. “… I’m really happy with where he’s at right now. We’ve been able to take the route tree to the next level and it’s something we’re going to continue to develop in training camp as well.”
Loveland is expected to be a big part of Chicago’s passing game this season, and after watching his impact as a rookie, projecting an All-Pro year for the second-year tight end feels like a good bet to make.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears TE Colston Loveland predicted to earn All-Pro honors in 2026
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
