The Chicago Bears have busied themselves with taking care of any lingering contract issues on the offensive side this offseason. Most believed this focused entirely on Darnell Wright. He received a massive extension of $116 million to become the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL. However, the team wasn’t done. Next, they secured running back D’Andre Swift on a new three-year deal worth $33.75 million. With that, pretty much every notable player on offense is locked up through at least 2028. All except one, that is. What about Cole Kmet?
Chicago’s “other” tight end started the season right where he left off, scoring a spectacular touchdown in the 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. His blocking was also on point throughout the action. It was another reminder of how valuable the former 2nd round pick has become. Extending him a couple of years ago was the right call. However, the Bears now face an interesting decision about whether to do so again. The market for #2 tight ends is getting expensive after Michael Mayer signed a new deal with Las Vegas. With Colston Loveland, a budding star, and now 3rd round pick Sam Roush in the fold, it seems Kmet might be in a tough spot.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune shared some new details about the possibility of an extension.
Cole Kmet will test the Bears’ commitment to the tight end position.
“Kmet, 27, is signed through the 2027 season as part of a $50 million, four-year extension ($12.5 million annually), which was negotiated in July 2023 by the same agents Mayer employs. In 2027, Kmet has a base salary of $8.9 million. There is a $1 million roster bonus due on the fifth day of the league year in March and $100,000 available for participation in the offseason workout program. Kmet’s cap hit, after a restructure this offseason, is $15.425 million in 2027.
Mayer’s new deal provides a snapshot of the market for a versatile TE2. A strong case can be made that Kmet has more ability in the passing game. Considering the premium Ben Johnson puts on the position, Kmet’s situation after the season will be fascinating to follow. I doubt the Bears know what their 2027 plan is at the position, but I do believe there are voices in the building that will want to continue hoarding tight ends.”
The Bears only have so much cap space.
They’ve already set aside a large chunk of future money for Wright. Quarterback Caleb Williams will require a far bigger one not too long from now. Even if he were to take some discount, it would still strain the Bears’ finances. You have to presume Loveland will command a large deal of his own. The fundamental rule of modern NFL football is you can’t pay everybody. Sooner or later, a sacrifice must be made. Is that why they drafted Roush? They knew the likelihood of extending Kmet a second time was unlikely?
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You would think that for most teams. However, the Bears are a unique animal. Head coach Ben Johnson has made a strong commitment to “12” and “13” personnel packages in his offense. To make that work, you need a deep tight end room. Johnson scoffed at any hint of Roush’s addition having anything to do with replacing Cole Kmet. This was about getting as many capable tight ends on the field together as possible. One shouldn’t put it past the head coach to insist on retaining Kmet, given his obvious value.
Everything depends on what kind of money he wants.
This upcoming contract will be the last one in which Kmet has a real chance to earn big money. Right now, he’s making $12.5 million per year. Mayer’s recent extension puts him at $15 million. If Kmet decides he wants as much or more than that, it will force the Bears into a tough decision. If Loveland continues his ascent, he could be looking at $20 million or more per season in a few years. No team in the NFL is paying two tight ends top 10 money. That just isn’t how business is done. Are the Bears willing to go against those rules?
Kmet would certainly make the decision easier were he willing to take a hometown discount of some kind. He’s made it crystal clear how much he loves playing in Chicago and hopes to do so for his entire career. That isn’t just lip service, either. He grew up watching this team. It’s his dream come true. Leaving is not something he wants to think about. Given this, it’s possible he may work with the team to find a solution palatable to both sides.
