Bears sign TE Ryan Griffin to one-year contract

Griffin will look to give incoming second-year signal-caller Justin Fields another pass-catching option, as the Bears tight end unit combined for just four touchdown receptions in 2021. Chicago tight end Cole Kmet was second on the team in targets (93), receptions (60) and receiving yards (612) last year, but failed to find the end zone.

Veteran Jimmy Graham had 14 catches for 167 yards and three scores, while Jesse James had just seven receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown. 

Griffin recorded 27 receptions for 261 yards and two touchdowns with the New York Jets in 2021 on an offense whose most productive receivers were Jamison Crowder (team-high 51 receptions) and Elijah Moore (team-high 538 receiving yards).

Prior to joining New York ahead of the 2019 campaign, Griffin spent the first six years of his career with the Houston Texans. In 2016, he set career highs in targets (74), receptions (50) and receiving yards (442), while scoring a pair of touchdowns.

During his first year with "Gang Green," Griffin racked up a career-best five receiving touchdowns.