Stephen

Carlson

The team reportedly hopes to have Carlson back on the practice squad if he clears waivers. The rookie tight end earned an opportunity to compete for a roster spot after a strong training camp and caught five passes for 47 yards in the preseason. In addition to Carlson, the Bears also released/waived LB Micah Baskerville, DT Travis Bell, FB Robert Burns, CB Macon Clark, OT Kellen Diesch, OG Dieter Eiselen, LB DeMarquis Gates, DE Trevis Gipson, DE Jalen Harris, OT Bobby Haskins, DE D’Anthony Jones, OG Josh Lugg, OT Roy Mbaeteka, CB Michael Ojemudia, TE Lachlan Pitts, DT Bravvion Roy, OG Logan Stenberg, LB Davion Taylor, S Bralen Trahan, CB Kindle Vildor, LB Barrington Wade, LB Mykal Walker, S Kendall Williamson, DT Andrew Brown, OT Aviante Collins, WR Daurice Fountain, QB Nathan Peterman, CB Greg Stroman Jr., and WR Nsimba Webster.

Carlson received a rookie camp invite and ultimately did enough to earn a one-year contract from the Bears. The Bears also brought in free agent tight end Robert Tonyan from the Packers on a one-year deal this offseason. The tight end depth behind starter Cole Kmet appears headed for a camp battle, with no significant commitment given to any of the five tight ends behind Kmet currently on the roster.

Of Carlson’s six career grabs, five came in 2019. Going on 26, Carlson made only two 2021 appearances. We doubt he will be back, even for less than the “low” tender amount of $2.433 million.

Carlson suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of Saturday’s 23-13 preseason victory over Jacksonville. His timeline remains unclear. Ryan Switzer (foot) was simultaneously placed on Cleveland’s IR.

Carlson has appeared in 25 games over the last two seasons, catching six passes for 62 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. It’s a hit to Cleveland’s depth behind Austin Hooper, David Njoku, and Harrison Bryant.

Carlson was an exclusive rights free agent, so this was his only option. The 24-year-old has appeared in 25 games over the last two seasons to begin his career, catching six balls for 62 yards and a touchdown in that span. He’s the No. 4 tight end behind Austin Hooper, David Njoku, and Harrison Bryant.