Chicago Bears meet with tight end Josh Hill

The tight end position for the Chicago Bears has been in the news of late. The team shipped starter Martellus Bennett off to the New England Patriots in order to move into the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. They re-signed back up Rob Housler to a one year deal and brought back co-starter Zach Miller on a two year contract.

Miller, who was more of the Joker tight end last season, started 14 or 15 games for the Bears in 2015, while Bennett, who was the inline TE started 11 of 11 before going on injured reserve.

Bennett's departure leaves the Bears shy of a veteran Y-TE to play in tandem with Miller when the Bears run double TE sets, and it also leaves then shy a run blocker at the position.

This is probably why the Bears had interest in Jermaine Gresham early in free agency, and probably why they met with the New Orleans Saints' Josh Hill earlier today.

Saints' RFA TE Josh Hill, who visited the Jets last week, visited the Bears today, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2016

Hill isn't necessarily a bruising blocker, but he is capable in that department at 6'5", 250 pounds and he is a solid athlete.

He is a restricted free agent, so if the Bears do offer him a contract, the Saints could match and keep their player. Since New Orleans gave the soon to be 26 year old Hill the lowest tender, they wouldn't receive any compensation if they declined to match any offer he received.

In three seasons Hill has 36 catches for 340 yards and 8 TDs for the Saints. And keep in mind that Bears' GM Ryan pace worked in their front office during Hill's first two years as a Saint.