Three Reasons Why Extending Cole Kmet Was A Smart Move For The Bears

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles handed out his first big extension today to tight end Cole Kmet. It's the first time Poles has made a decision to keep a Ryan Pace pick. For awhile now, this extension always felt like it would be the first domino to fall. It just made the most sense and aligned with how highly this regime thinks of the Chicago Native. This deal did receive slight criticism once the news broke but here are three reasons why the Bears made the right decision to lock up Cole Kmet for the long term.

Scheme + Value

Cole Kmet is yet to put up flashy numbers. However, he did haul in 7 touchdowns last season which was tied for 4th most in the NFL among active tight ends. But it's no secret the Bears want to run the ball. It's going to be a vocal point in this offense and Kmet excels as a blocker. Here were his grades from PFF in 2022:

Pass Block: 68.8 (20th)

Run Block: 65.1 (9th)

The deal is also front loaded. Which means he will receive $20M for 2023. This will put Kmet around $12.5M per year which makes him the 9th highest paid tight end in the NFL. Overeall, it's good deal for both sides. This also leaves the Bears with around $15M left to hit minimum spending floor according to PFF's Brad Spielberger. This means more moves will be made and likely soon. Obviously bringing in an edge rusher or two would be ideal, but don't rule out a Darnell Mooney extension either. Once he proves his ankle is good to go at camp, momentum could pick back up.

Durability

The best ability is availability. Cole Kmet embodies that saying to it's core. In the past two seasons, he's started in every single game. That’s very difficult to do in the NFL. The guy is dependable. If Kmet can continue this streak, this deal will look like a steal barring he continues to develop on the offensive side of the ball. Another great thing about Kmet is he is simply a great human being. In his press conference today, where he signed the life-changing extension, there was so much humility. He praised his family and teammates and said his goal was to simply out-play his contract value. The intangibles are there and he's a guy you want in the locker-room.

Potential

Let's take a look at Cole Kmet's production over his first three seasons in the NFL.

Year	Games Started	Receptions	Yards	TD
2020	9	28	243	2
2021	17	60	612	0
2022	17	50	544	7

Again, not eye popping numbers. But when you factor in the Matt Nagy scheme his first two seasons along with the quarterback play around him, it certainly make these easier to understand. Tight ends also take a few seasons to truly figure it all out and Kmet fits this timeline as he enters year four. Justin Fields is expected to take a leap as a passer and that will only unlock Cole more as a pass catcher. I am very happy with this deal and believe we will look back in a couple years and see this as total bargain. Time will tell but Poles is cooking.

Best part, is he's not done yet.