Chicago Bears Could Sign Tight End Kmet to Extension

The Chicago Bears may be eyeing a long-term commitment with their leading receiver. According to the Athletic's Adam Jahns, tight end Cole Kmet has a chance of earning an extension with the team this offseason.

Ranking the Bears’ second-contract candidates: Who comes after Cole Kmet?https://t.co/t4WLmnVfm8
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) February 9, 2023

Kmet led the Bears last year in receptions (50), receiving yards (544), and touchdowns (7), but that has as much to do with the Bears' struggles as it does with Kmet's success. Still only 23 years old, Kmet has appeared in 50 of a possible 50 games since being drafted 43rd overall in 2020. Though not a superstar, he has clearly demonstrated himself to be an asset, and he still has plenty of time to grow into a more significant role if the team's overall passing attack can improve.

If the Bears believe Kmet is still projecting upwards, locking him up now could save them quite a bit of money in the long run. He still has one year left on his rookie contract, and at his current quality of play, he shouldn't command a top-of-the-market deal. A contract in the range of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (four years, $52 million) or Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (four years, $57 million) would be fair for all parties.