​​Bears See Unlikely Playmaker Emerge at OTAs

OTAs are a great opportunity for players, whether they are vets or rookies, to work with coaches in preparation for the new season. 

For some players, it's a chance to get into game shape for the regular season, while others use it as an opportunity to make a name for themselves. 24-year-old tight end Joel Wilson falls into the latter category as he’s making plays in OTAs with the Chicago Bears, which has caught the attention of new head coach Ben Johnson.

"He’s got a little savvy in how he moves," Johnson said via Adam Jahns of The Athletic.

"He’s got a nice route feel about him. The test will really be when we get going in camp, how he holds up in the run game and the pass pro game. But so far in the running route section of tight end play, I think he’s stood out in a positive light."

Ben Johnson

According to Jahns, Wilson caught a touchdown pass from veteran quarterback Case Keenum during a situational period on Thursday.

Wilson faces an uphill battle to make the Bears’ 53-man roster later this summer as Chicago’s tight end room has the likes of Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland (rookie), Durham Smythe, and Stephen Carlson.

Kmet and Loveland are locked in at TE1 and TE2. However, the TE3 spot is up for grabs, as Smythe was only signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Meanwhile, Carlson was re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason.

As for Wilson, he was signed to a futures deal earlier this year in January, following the end of the 2024 regular season. The 6-foot-4 tight end joined the Bears’ practice squad on October 24, 2024, after the New York Giants released him at the start of October.

Before landing with the Giants, Wilson spent training camp with the Green Bay Packers last summer, but didn’t make the 53-man roster or practice squad. The 24-year-old has also spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.

The former Central Michigan tight end will likely not be on the top of mind for most Bears fans as we get closer to training camp. However, if Wilson can prove himself in the run game and pass pro, he could make things interesting this summer.