Colston Loveland Rejects $50M Colts Offer to Stay Loyal to Bears: “Chicago is Home Now”
In an era where blockbuster contracts and headline-grabbing trades dominate the NFL landscape, Colston Loveland has proven that loyalty and team culture still mean something.
The Chicago Bears’ rookie tight end, fresh off signing a fully guaranteed four-year, $26.64 million contract, has reportedly turned down a jaw-dropping $50 million offer from the Indianapolis Colts — a deal that would have made him one of the highest-paid tight ends in league history. Sources close to the situation confirmed that the Colts made an aggressive approach after the draft, exploring a potential trade and promising Loveland a long-term deal nearly double his current contract value.
But the Michigan standout, drafted 10th overall by the Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft, made his priorities clear.
“Chicago is home now,” Loveland told reporters after Friday’s OTA session at Halas Hall. “This team believed in me from the start. They didn’t just pick me — they’ve made me feel like family. That matters more to me than numbers on a contract.”
The 21-year-old sensation has already turned heads in preseason workouts, praised by head coach Ben Johnson as a “game-changer” in his offensive system. Loveland is expected to form one of the league’s most dynamic tight end duos alongside veteran Cole Kmet, and his rapid development has Bears fans buzzing with excitement.
The Colts, who held the 14th pick in the draft, were widely rumored to be eyeing Loveland prior to Chicago’s selection. The need for a versatile pass-catching tight end in Indianapolis has only grown since, prompting GM Chris Ballard to float a record-breaking package in hopes of luring the rookie away.
However, insiders suggest Loveland never entertained the offer seriously. One agent familiar with the negotiations described the Colts’ push as “earnest but futile,” citing Loveland’s deepening ties to the Chicago community and his strong relationship with quarterback Caleb Williams.
“He sees something building here,” a Bears front office official said. “You can’t put a price tag on the bond he’s forming with this team. He’s not just here to play — he’s here to win.”
Loveland’s decision also sends a powerful message about the Bears’ locker room culture under GM Ryan Poles and head coach Johnson. It’s a rare moment in modern pro sports where a young star, still in the early stages of his rookie deal, turns down generational wealth to stay committed to the vision of the team that drafted him.
His teammates took notice. Caleb Williams posted a photo on Instagram with Loveland, captioned: “My TE1 turned down 50Ms to run it back. Chicago, we up.”
As for Loveland, he remains focused on football, brushing off the media whirlwind.
“We’re building something special here,” he said. “And I’m all in.”
With that kind of heart — and that kind of talent — the Bears may have found more than a future star. They may have found a cornerstone.
