The Chicago Bears have locked down tight end Cole Kmet for the long term. The Bears have reached an agreement with Kmet on a four-year contract extension worth $50 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Field Yates.
Kmet’s extension includes $32.8 million guaranteed with $20 million in new first-year cash, per Schefter. That puts Kmet among the top-10 paid tight ends in the NFL, earning $12.5 million per year.
Kmet is coming off his best season with the Bears, despite it being a down year in the passing game. Kmet led the team in receptions (50), receiving yards (544) and touchdowns (7) — also a career high. More than that, he proved to be the most reliable pass catcher for quarterback Justin Fields.
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
This is the first contract extension handed out for Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who joined the team last offseason. But it might not be the last.
Chicago still has several players from what’s proven to be an impactful 2020 NFL draft class, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, as well as defensive end Trevis Gipson.
