The Chicago Bears made a smart move by extending the contract of tight end Cole Kmet. This move not only benefits the team in terms of his on-field performance, but it also sends a positive message to the other players on the team.
This signing was huge. Ryan Poles’ moves since he took over as general manager have been sending messages about how different he wants things to go with the franchise with him in charge. Signing Kmet certainly sent another one.
By extending Kmet’s contract, the Chicago Bears are demonstrating their commitment to building a strong team for years to come. This sends a positive message to the other players on the team, showing them that the organization values their talent and hard work.
It also creates a sense of stability within the team. In a league where players are often traded or released after just a few seasons, extending Kmet’s contract sends the message that the Bears are committed to building a winning team and are willing to invest in their players.
We saw how the fans felt like they got punched in the stomach when Poles traded away the Bears‘ best defensive player, linebacker Roquan Smith, at the trade deadline last season. Smith was a very popular player and was considered one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Without having very much talent on the roster last season, losing Smith really hurt.
Then, when free agency began earlier this offseason, we saw running back David Montgomery, walk away. Poles did not make much of an effort to resign the popular running back and it was just another blow.
Poles had a plan, however. He felt he could let Montgomery go and both sign a free agent and draft one. With D’Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson, and incumbent Khalil Herbert, Poles feels the Chicago Bears are in better shape than last year when they led the league in rushing.
The same thing with the Smith situation. Smith was looking for a $100 million deal, the highest salary for a linebacker in the league. Instead, Poles traded him for two draft picks. He ended up signing T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, two of the top-ten linebackers in the league. He also signed Dylan Cole. Cole will provide valuable backup linebacker play. Furthermore, he is a very good special teams player. Poles also drafted linebacker Noah Sewell. Sewell will be competing for a starting job right away.
In all, Poles spent $96.9 million on the linebacker unit. If he kept Smith, he would have to spend $100 million on just one player. I don’t know about you but signing two of the top linebackers in the league and two good reserve players and having over $3 million left over sounds a lot better.
Now Poles goes ahead and has his first contract extension as general manager. The signing is a win-win for both sides. Kmet’s 4-year, $50 million deal is the ninth-highest for a tight end. Kmet just turned 24 so he is just about to hit his prime. In return, the Chicago Bears will get a very good tight end. This deal will look like a bargain in a couple of seasons.
The positive energy gained through the signing can have a ripple effect throughout the team, boosting morale and motivating other players to work harder and play better. When players feel valued and supported by their organization, they are more likely to give their all on the field and work together to achieve success.
Moreover, extending Kmet’s contract creates a sense of trust and loyalty between the player and the team. When a team shows that they are committed to a player, the player is more likely to commit to the team in return. This can create a positive cycle where the team and the player both benefit from the relationship.
Poles found out right away how big the Kmet extension was. He said a player approached him the day after the signing and told him how the effect of that signing reverberated through the locker room.
"[He] said, ‘Hey, you sent a ton of energy through the locker room because you guys are taking care of the guys in there.’ And it was really cool."
This will be crucial since the Bears have other players who are at the end of their rookie contracts. Decisions have to be made on cornerback Jaylon Johnson and wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool.
In addition, extending Kmet’s contract can also have a positive impact on the team’s fanbase. Fans love to see their favorite players rewarded for their hard work and dedication to the team. By extending Kmet’s contract, the Bears are showing their fans that they are committed to building a strong team and are willing to invest in their players.
The Bears’ decision to extend Kmet’s contract shows the players that the organization values their talent and hard work. It can motivate the players to work harder and play better, knowing that they have the organization’s support. This positive energy can have a ripple effect throughout the team, boosting morale, and creating a cohesive environment.
Moreover, extending Kmet’s contract creates a sense of stability within the team. It sends the message that the Chicago Bears are committed to building a winning team and are willing to invest in their players. In a league where players are often traded or released after just a few seasons, this kind of stability can make a difference in the team’s performance.
Lastly, extending Kmet’s contract benefits the team on the field. Kmet had a solid rookie season, catching 28 passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. By 2022, he became a favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields and showed great potential for the future. Last season he had over 500 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. The touchdown total ranked third among tight ends. With the extension of his contract, the Bears can rely on Kmet’s performance for years to come.
Extending Cole Kmet’s contract was an excellent move by the Chicago Bears. It sends a positive message to the other players, creates a sense of stability and loyalty within the team, benefits the team on the field, and can have a positive impact on the team’s fanbase. With this move, the Bears are well on their way to building a winning team for the foreseeable future.