The electric rookie tight end underwent offseason shoulder surgery and has not yet been cleared to participate in rookie minicamp. Loveland was not only present but was seen with a helmet on while warming up to the side on Friday, indicating he may be close to a return to the practice field. He should immediately be considered a TE1 in fantasy circles after being selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by offensive guru Ben Johnson.

NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk reports the deal “is worth over $26.6 million and is fully guaranteed.” Loveland will vie for targets in a crowded Bears pass-catching corps, but the talent and offensive scheme could yield TE1 results in year one. We’re not entirely sure where the Bears tight-end corps stands heading into Week 1 — perhaps there will be more 12-personnel than last year — but Loveland certainly has the talent to be impactful in fantasy leagues early.

“Obviously we did a lot of things with LaPorta ... I can see you doing a lot of those things as well,” Johnson continued per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. So obviously we can expect a second-year fade for Loveland, but those 10 touchdowns in his first year should be great. (Hold for applause.) The Bears have preached competition coming out of the draft and we’ve yet to see a quote that indicates Loveland is guaranteed a ton of playing time as he steps into a room led by Cole Kmet. There’s nothing wrong with Loveland from a dynasty perspective, but it may be worth tempering expectations in the short-term until we’re sure he’ll have a major role in the offense.