The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles got some much-needed business out of the way on the first day of training camp, locking in the hometown kid, TE Cole Kmet, to a nice contract extension:
This is the first extension Poles has handed out as the Bears' GM. Kmet has really blossomed into a solid NFL tight end, capable of strong blocking in a fierce running scheme, as well as being a reliable weapon in the passing game. Kmet led the Bears with seven touchdown receptions in 2022.
The money is good for both sides, too -- both in terms of average annual value and first year cash. This likely means Chicago can keep his cap hit reasonable in future years. Flexibility is the name of Poles' game.
Kmet just turned 24 years old, so this extension will take him through his age-28 season. Chicago gets Kmet's prime years at a solid value, and he'll be eligible for another nice extension at a relatively young age, assuming he continues to grow and perform at a high level.
Who's Next?
The question now becomes: Who is next in line for an extension?
Jaylon Johnson seems to be the most obvious candidate, given his emergence as a solid CB1 and youth -- he, too, just turned 24. WR Darnell Mooney is another strong candidate, and is someone Poles loves.
It's a good bet that at least one of these guys will be extended at some point, and it'll be interesting to see if they get it done before the season starts. Why keep these questions burning for longer if you don't have to?
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