Alex Shapiro joins Mark Carman on Football Night in Chicago to discuss day one of Bears training camp. He talks about the impact LB Tremaine Edmunds is having on the locker room
The Chicago Bears have reached an agreement with Cole Kmet for a contract extension, Matt Eberflus confirmed to the media on Wednesday. Adam Schefter was the first to report the details.
The 4-year deal worth $50 million deal includes $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in new first-year cash, via the report. He is now tied-ninth with Hunter Henry for the most lucrative tight-end deals with a $12.5 million annual average.
The deal marks the first extension of Ryan Poles' career as the Bears general manager. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Poles refused to delve into specifics about contract extensions. Though, he mentioned his empathy for the players' side about wanting to get things done as training camp starts.
"There’s no preferred timeline. It’s when it happens," Poles said. "If I was in that position, I would want it done sooner rather than later, so soon."
Other players eligible for extension include Jaylon Johnson, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool.
Kmet, 24, was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft by former Bears general manager, Ryan Pace. Then, he was the first tight end to come off the board.
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Last season, Kmet finished his third year with the Bears, arguably his best. He led the team with 544 receiving yards and a whopping seven touchdown catches. The season prior, he caught for more yards (612) but failed to finish with a touchdowns reception.
He's one of the better blocking tight ends in the league and is growing accustomed to a larger role in the Bears' offense. His superb stature (6-foot-6 and 260 pounds) added with his sufficient catching ability (72.5% catch rate last season) makes his deal a viable one for the future of the Bears.
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