The Chicago Bears keep making positive moves ahead of the upcoming campaign.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they just reached an agreement with star TE Cole Kmet for an extension.
The new deal will keep the tight end with the team for another four years, and it’s worth $50 million with $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in new cash in his first season, making him the ninth-highest-paid TE in the league ($12.5 million AAV).
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 officially the first extension for GM Ryan Poles during his time in charge of the organization.
Now, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and Jaylon Johnson will wait in line to get their new deals done.
Kmet has always been a key centerpiece of the Bears’ project going forward.
The 24-year-old entered the league in 2020 as a second-round pick, being the first player at his position to come off the board.
And even though he comes from the previous regime, this extension proves that the new management is also quite high on him.
Kmet is coming off his best season in the Windy City, pacing the team with 544 receiving yards and seven scores.
His work as a blocking TE is among the league’s finest, and he should continue to have a more prominent role in the passing game as Matt Eberflus gives Justin Fields a longer leash as a passer.
The Bears made some interesting moves in the offseason and figure to be one of the most improved teams in the league in 2023, or at least not finish the season with the worst record again.
NEXT: Bears Place Controversial Star On PUP List
