Why The New Cole Kmet Extension Is Perfect For Both Sides

GM Ryan Poles had spent most of the past two off-seasons doing one of two things. Either he unloaded players on the roster via release or trade or acquired them via free agency, trade, or the draft. One thing he hadn’t done in over a year was extend a player on the current roster. His first opportunity came with Roquan Smith last year. After what felt like positive progress, things fell through. Smith wanted more money than the Chicago Bears were willing to pay. So they traded him to Baltimore. It took several months longer, but Poles finally got one done when he locked up tight end Cole Kmet to a four-year extension worth $50 million.

This is one many saw coming. Poles praised the tight end earlier this off-season, saying the team was ecstatic about his progress last season with 544 yards and seven touchdowns. While nobody would confuse him with Travis Kelce or George Kittle, he proved himself to be a capable player with great offensive versatility as a blocker and pass-catcher. In truth, the deal is excellent for both sides.

Why it’s excellent for Cole Kmet:

The structure of the deal really stands out. He gets a ton of money in the first year and $32.8 million in guarantees. That puts him 5th-highest among all tight ends. It is a healthy payday. This allows him to stay in the same offensive system long-term and continue developing his connection with Justin Fields. People forget Kmet is still only 24 years old. His best years are ahead of him. It doesn’t hurt that the Bears run an offense that loves to utilize tight ends in the passing game.

Why it’s great for the Bears:

Poles talks all the time about maintaining long-term cap flexibility. This Cole Kmet deal accomplishes that. By giving the tight end lots of cash in the first year, it allows the Bears to keep his salary cap hit down as the contract plays out in the coming years. By paying him $20 million up front, they only have to pay him $30 million over the final three years. Then there is the public relations side of it. Kmet is a hometown kid, having grown up a Bears fan in Lake Barrington. It was a dream come true when they drafted him in the 2nd round. Chicago hasn’t seen a homegrown product reach a second contract in a long time. Kmet breaks that drought.