The Chicago Bears have reached a deal with former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $12 million, with $6.1 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The person, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, disclosed the agreement as free agents cannot officially sign with new teams until Wednesday. ESPN first reported the news.
In addition to Everett, the Bears have bolstered their secondary by striking a two-year deal with safety Jonathan Owens, confirmed by agent Sunny Shah to NFL Network. Owens, who is married to Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, brings his expertise to the team.
Everett, with 284 receptions for 2,833 yards and 19 touchdowns over seven seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Chargers, adds depth to the Bears’ tight end position. Last season, he caught 51 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns for the Chargers.
The acquisition of Everett provides the Bears with a strong No. 2 option behind Cole Kmet, who is coming off a career-best season. Kmet, after signing a four-year, $50 million contract extension through 2027 in July, recorded career highs in receptions (73), yards (719), and touchdowns (6).
Having previously worked with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron during his time with the Rams from 2017 to 2020 and with Seattle in 2021, Everett brings familiarity to the system.
Meanwhile, Owens, a product of Division II Missouri Western, spent last season with the Green Bay Packers after four years in Houston. He started 11 of the 17 games he played in with the Packers, making three pass breakups and returning a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Owens expressed his excitement for the new opportunity, symbolized by a bear emoji with a downward arrow on X, while extending gratitude to the Packers and their fans. Biles, in a series of tweets, shared her affection for Chicago, as well as her excitement about being able to fly nonstop to visit her husband.
The Bears have been active in the offseason, locking down Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson with a four-year, $76 million extension, securing the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks in the upcoming draft, and adding talents like running back D’Andre Swift and veteran safety Kevin Byard.
