Why Cole Kmet Still Matters to the Bears - And Why He’s Likely Staying Put
As the Chicago Bears head into a pivotal offseason, there’s plenty of buzz about how they’ll manage the roster - and the salary cap - with an eye toward building around Caleb Williams and a new-look offense under Ben Johnson. Naturally, that means every contract gets a second look, especially the bigger ones.
And yes, tight end Cole Kmet technically falls into that category. But don’t expect Chicago to move on from him anytime soon - and there are good reasons why.
Kmet’s Contract Situation: Room for Flexibility, But Not Urgency
Kmet is set to make around $10 million in 2026, a figure that includes both base salary and bonuses. Importantly, none of that money is guaranteed. On paper, that makes him a logical candidate for a potential restructure, trade, or even release if the Bears are looking to free up space - and they would save about $8.4 million if they went that route.
But while the cap savings might look appealing, the ripple effect of losing Kmet could be far more costly in football terms.
Production Dip? Not Quite the Full Story
Yes, Kmet’s receiving numbers have dipped. But that’s not a reflection of diminished ability.
It’s more about opportunity - or lack thereof. In a season where the offense was evolving, and with a rookie quarterback under center, targets were spread differently.
Kmet simply wasn’t featured as heavily in the passing game.
Still, he remained a critical part of the offense. He played 768 snaps this season - more than any Bears skill-position player not named Caleb Williams or DJ Moore.
That’s not just a stat; it’s a sign of trust. Ben Johnson leaned heavily into 12 personnel (two tight end sets), and Kmet was on the field for the vast majority of those looks.
More Than Just a Pass-Catcher
Kmet’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s a tone-setter in the run game - a reliable blocker who helps establish physicality up front.
His presence gives the Bears flexibility, especially when paired with rookie Colston Loveland. That duo offers a mix of size, athleticism, and versatility that few teams can match at the tight end position.
And then there’s the locker room factor. Kmet is one of those “glue guys” every team needs - a respected leader who helps set the tone during the week and on Sundays. For a young team trying to establish a winning culture, that matters.
The Kmet-Loveland Combo: A Blueprint for the Future
Ben Johnson loves his tight ends - that much is clear from his time in Detroit. And with Kmet and Loveland, he has a pairing that can do a little bit of everything.
They can line up in-line, flex out wide, block in the run game, and create mismatches in the red zone. That’s the kind of versatility that opens up the playbook and keeps defenses guessing.
Kmet may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s a foundational piece - the kind of player who makes the offense go, even if he’s not always the one finishing the play.
The Bottom Line
Could the Bears save money by moving on from Cole Kmet? Sure. But they’d be creating a bigger problem in the process - one that’s not easily solved with cap space alone.
Kmet’s contract gives the Bears options, but his role in the offense, his leadership in the locker room, and his fit alongside Loveland all point to one thing: he’s more valuable on the roster than off it.
Unless something unexpected happens, expect Kmet to be right where he’s been - in the middle of the action, helping this Bears offense take the next step.