Chicago Bears News: Cole Kmet signs 4-year extension

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did not talk contract statuses with reporters on Tuesday from Halas Hall but did say that he was hoping to reach an extension or two before the start of the season.

Poles wasted little time in accomplishing that goal as the Bears have reportedly agreed to a contract extension with tight end Cole Kmet.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Wednesday morning that the Bears and Kmet agreed to terms on a new four-year deal.

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet has a new deal with the team.

When the season ended last January, it seemed clear that one of the goals of the Poles’ led Bears’ front office was to sign Kmet to an extension.

Kmet was a focal point of the Bears’ passing offense last season as he totaled 544 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns on 50 receptions. With the Bears putting an emphasis on improving the passing offense in the second year of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s system, Kmet figures to be in line for a breakout season.

The addition of wide receiver D.J. Moore also adds a new element to the Bears’ offense. The Bears finally have a true, No. 1 wide receiver in Moore and that should open opportunities for Kmet at the tight end position.

One thing is certain, after the drama that occurred last season between the Bears’ front office and linebacker Roquan Smith, it is encouraging that the team was able to avoid that fate with Kmet this season.

As the Bears move forward and further away from the teardown that was Poles’ first season as the team’s general manager, there is going to be a need for continuity. That continuity comes in the form of retaining players that establish a culture for the team. Kmet has been that player for the Bears at the tight end position and could be on the verge of being a cornerstone of the team’s offense.