The Bears are doing their due diligence when it comes to the tight end position this offseason. This after a season where Chicago’s tight ends collectively failed to make any positive impact in an overall disappointing season.

There have been reports that Chicago is interested in pursing free-agent-to-be Austin Hooper, who is certainly the best tight end set to hit free agency. While the Bears would certainly love to bring in one of the game’s best to fix a position integral to Matt Nagy’s offense, it doesn’t seem likely.

Given the Bears’ salary cap situation, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to afford someone like Hooper, whose going rate looks to be around $10 million per season in what’s poised to be a competitive market.

But that doesn’t mean Chicago’s options at tight end are completely off the table. According to The Athletic‘s Adam Jahns, the Bears have been inquiring about potential trades at tight end.

One of those names that Jahns mentioned could be available is former first-round pick Hayden Hurst. He’s competing with Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle for playing time with the Ravens, and perhaps the Bears could get Baltimore to listen to a possible offer.

Other names mentioned as possible targets include Tampa’s Cameron Brate, Denver’s Jeff Heuerman, Pittsburgh’s Vance McDonald, Tennessee’s Delanie Walker and Green Bay’s Jimmy Graham.

Chicago has already added Demetrius Harris, who has experience in Nagy’s offense. Harris’ one-year $1.15 million deal gives the Bears some financial leeway to bring in another veteran acquisition given their salary cap limitations.

The Bears have also spent plenty of time talking to tight end prospects, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for Chicago to select a tight end in the NFL Draft.

If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that the Bears are doing everything to ensure that tight end won’t be an issue in 2020. But that remains to be seen.