The Chicago Bears have four players on their roster that feel like prime contract extension candidates. It starts with wide receivers Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney. Both have had some really good years in the past but suffered through a frustrating 2022 season. Jaylon Johnson is another. He is the team’s most reliable cornerback but suffers from periodic health issues and has only one interception in his career. Last but not least is tight end Cole Kmet. Unlike the others, he is coming off his best season with over 500 yards and seven touchdowns.
GM Ryan Poles himself mentioned Kmet by name when the question of contract extensions was broached. It was the first indication that the former 2nd round pick might be the team’s top priority once discussions picked back up. Not only did he post those solid receiving numbers, but he was also the 6th-highest-rated run blocker among all tight ends last year. Kmet was a big reason the Bears had great success on the ground. The obvious question is how much it will cost to keep him long-term.
Hunter Henry is the name to remember with Cole Kmet in mind.
The veteran currently makes $12.5 million per year and represents the bottom of what is considered the upper echelon of NFL tight ends. What isn’t clear is whether Chicago will be willing to give such a number to Kmet. Spotrac doesn’t think that will be the case. Based on their projections, the 24-year-old is looking at around $45.2 million over four years or $11.3 million per year. It would make him the 9th-highest-paid tight end in the league as of today. The Bears likely would be willing to pay that.
What isn’t certain is whether Cole Kmet would accept it. Most players want to maximize their second contract as much as possible. From the outset, he’s stated that he wishes to stay in Chicago. However, this is his best opportunity for financial gain. If those numbers feel too low, he could decide to postpone contract talks until after the season, gambling on having an even better year than in 2022. On the other hand, the presence of new arrival Robert Tonyan makes such an idea dangerous since he could eat into Kmet’s target share.
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It might be best to get that extension done now.
