The Chicago Bears enjoyed a surprisingly productive day from tight end Cole Kmet as part of the team's dominating effort in Week 1. Kmet finished with a pair of catches for 35 yards and was a positive presence not only as a pass catcher, but also offered a clear level of physicality as a blocker. Kmet played 43 snaps in the first week of the season, far ahead of the 12 played by rookie Sam Roush. This led to head coach Ben Johnson answering questions about his tight end with a clear message.
"Cole made a heck of a catch there, too. He came out hot. I'm sure there will be things on tape to address and improve, but it was a good start. There's a lot of information in a game week, yet his process was really good throughout. At our final quarterback meeting last night, he was on top of everything, rattling off eye progression and read details. I slept really well going to bed after that."Ben Johnson
Johnson is offering a clear insight into the mental outlook from a player with every reason to give into selfish frustration. Not only has Chicago added playmakers at other positions, but Colston Loveland and Sam Roush have been drafted each of the past two years despite the clear level of performance from Kmet throughout his career.
Rather than find fault with this or look for a new landing spot as a featured weapon, Kmet is making it clear he prioritizes winning above all else. This shows up in how the tight end prepares and helps set a tone for an offense coming off scoring 59 points and announcing its presence to the rest of the league.
Bears tight end Cole Kmet should be expected to have better 2026 season after Week 1 debut
Kmet's numbers in the season opener might have been far from eye-popping, but the clutch touchdown along with Johnson's quote stand out. There is no denying the pass catcher is coming off a down season, but the departure of DJ Moore as well as the growth of the receivers around the veteran tight end should result in a more consistent 2026 season.
Week 1 was clearly a step in this direction and Johnson's comments reflect this. The head coach pointed to exactly why the Bears were so content keeping Kmet rostered despite spending two notable draft picks at the position.
Kmet's value to this team is his veteran leadership and steady contributions that should offer far more consistency in the season ahead. No question, the Bears made the right decision holding onto a player who continues to do all of the little things that contribute to winning at the highest level.
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