The Chicago Bears and their NFC North rivals have frequently exchanged players in recent seasons, and now one particular pass-catcher has played for every team in the division.
The Minnesota Vikings recently signed Robert Tonyan Jr., making them the fourth NFC North team to employ the tight end. “The #Vikings have signed TE Robert Tonyan and waived LB Donovan Manuel,” the Vikings’ official X account announced on May 17.
Robert Tonyan Jr. had a minimal role with the Bears but could see an increased role with the Vikings in 2024.
Last season, Tonyan played for the Bears on a $2.65 million contract. He participated in all 17 games, starting six, and recorded 11 catches for 112 yards on 17 targets, according to Pro Football Reference. He did not score any touchdowns.
Before his stint with the Bears, Tonyan spent five years with the Green Bay Packers, where he was a favored target of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Tonyan’s NFL journey began in 2017 with the Detroit Lions, though he did not play in any regular-season games for them and earned only $28,800 on their practice squad, per Spotrac.
Tonyan may see significant playing time against the Bears when they face the Vikings in Week 12 in November. However, he is likely a temporary option in Minnesota until T.J. Hockenson, a former Lion and two-time Pro Bowler recovering from knee surgery, returns to full health.
Hockenson is expected to be fully recovered before the Bears’ meetings with the Vikings, which might limit Tonyan’s impact in those games.
Cole Kmet will remain the top tight end option in the Bears’ revamped passing attack this season.
Tight end Cole Kmet had a standout season for the Bears last year, achieving career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (719), and touchdowns (6). He is expected to play a key role again in an improved passing game in 2024, which includes new wide receivers Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, alongside DJ Moore, and quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, who will replace Justin Fields as the starter in Week 1.
Kmet was second in all major receiving categories for the Bears last season, behind only Moore, according to StatMuse. However, this is unlikely to repeat in 2024 with the high-profile additions on offense and the expectation that the Bears will pass more with Williams under center than they did with Fields.
These offseason changes made Tonyan, whose main strength is pass-catching, redundant on a Bears roster that did not prominently feature him even when it might have been beneficial last season.
