Gerald Everett: Everything you need to know

The Bears recently informed Everett that he will be released, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Signed to a two-year, $12 million contract last offseason, Everett opened the 2024 campaign in a timeshare with Cole Kmet but didn't keep the role for long. Kmet was back in his familiar role as a near-every-down player by the end of September, leaving Everett as the No. 2 tight end in an offense dominated by three-wide sets. Everett finished the season with eight catches for 36 yards on 13 targets, ending his five-year streak of seasons with more than 400 receiving yards. He'll turn 31 in June and figures to settle for a smaller contract this offseason.

Everett played three snaps in the Bears' 24-22 win over the Packers on Sunday. Before the season, Everett signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Bears. The signing was interesting because Chicago already had Cole Kmet on a long-term deal. Everett came into this year having posted at least 408 yards in five straight seasons. Playing with the Bears, the veteran caught eight of 13 targets for 31 yards. Unless Kmet misses time, it seems unlikely that there is a path to meaningful production as Everett enters the last year of his contract with Chicago.

Everett hauled in a six-yard pass in the Bears' 34-17 loss to the Lions on Sunday. Everett received his first target in seven games. With eight catches for 36 yards on the season, the veteran is not a reliable fantasy option.