Report: Bears re-sign Cole Kmet to $50 million extension |
The Chicago Bears have signed young tight end Cole Kmet on a four-year extension worth $50 million, according to Adam Schefter and others.
The deal is $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in new first-year cash. This is the first extension given out by general manager Ryan Poles. "Certainly, he has a bright future ahead of him here with the Chicago Bears," Bears head coach Matt Ebeflus told reporters Wednesday afternoon. "He's a pro and a guy who can be trusted. A fantastic teammate with him just leading by example." Kmet was happy to hear the news on Tuesday about the extension. "This whole thing from the beginning has been a dream come true," Kmet said, "Getting drafted here first and being able to get an extension done. Looking forward to it, looking forward to the things that come with it, and many playoff appearances and Super Bowls to come." Bears receiver Darnell Mooney is a big fan of Kmet. "I love Cole Kmet," Mooney told reporters Wednesday. "Cole is my guy. I love playing with Cole. I talk to him after the game, before the game, in the huddle. I just love Cole." "We're extremely excited to be able to keep Cole in Chicago," said general manager Ryan Poles. "We consider him a core part of our group we want to move forward with and he exhibits everything we think a Chicago Bear should be, on and off the field. We think his best football is ahead of him and can't wait to see how he helps our offense this season and the seasons to come." In 2022, Kmet caught 50 passes for 544 yards with a team-high seven touchdowns. He was drafted in the second round by the Bears in the 2020 NFL draft.
Love the contract extension for @ColeKmet! Checks boxes. Competes. Cares. Total pro on and off the field. Rising player. Leader. A Bear from birth. Still plenty of room to grow. Vital piece to the larger puzzle. @ChicagoBears @ESPNChicago
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) July 26, 2023
Tight end Cole Kmet found out 20 mins before practice today that he was getting a four-year, $50 million extension. He was relieved and thrilled. Called a few select people before heading out to the Walter Payton Center.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) July 26, 2023
