Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made his first significant contract extension of his tenure. According to ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Field Yates, the Bears agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with tight end Cole Kmet. The deal includes $32.8 million guaranteed.
Another deal: Bears and TE Cole Kmet reached agreement on a four-year, $50 million extension, including $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in new first-year cash, per me and @FieldYates.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2023
Kmet was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame in hopes of bringing stability to the tight end position. He grew with the team and after splitting time with veteran Jimmy Graham, became the unquestioned TE1 in 2022. That was Kmet’s best year as a pro up to this point. He caught 50 receptions for 544 yards and seven touchdowns, all of which led the team last year, while establishing a strong rapport with quarterback Justin Fields.
Now, the Bears are betting on Kmet to continue to ascend in his development. Despite entering his fourth season in the NFL, Kmet is still just 24 years old and is just now entering the prime of his career. The expectation is he will continue to be a valuable weapon for the Bears offense for years to come.
The news of Kmet’s extension sent shockwaves through Bears social media. Here’s how fans reacted to the deal.