Chicago Bears More Likely to Extend Cole Kmet Than Release Him
Bears insider Brad Biggs reports Chicago is more likely to rework and extend Cole Kmet’s contract than release the tight end during the 2026 offseason.
Speculation around Cole Kmet’s future with the Chicago Bears has been a consistent offseason talking point. But longtime team insider Brad Biggs doesn’t expect the Bears to move on from the veteran tight end.
Instead, Biggs indicated it’s more likely Chicago reworks and extends Kmet’s deal than releases him during the 2026 offseason.
That’s a notable piece of intel, especially with the Bears navigating a complicated salary cap situation.
Why a Cole Kmet Extension Makes Financial Sense
Kmet signed a four-year extension in 2023 that runs through the 2027 season. Entering 2026, his cap hit becomes more significant ($11.6 million) as Chicago balances spending across the roster.
Reworking and extending his contract could:
- Lower his immediate cap number.
- Create short-term flexibility.
- Keep a core offensive piece in place during Caleb Williams’ rookie window.
General manager Ryan Poles has shown a preference for restructuring productive, in-prime players rather than creating new roster holes.
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Kmet, who turns 27 during the 2026 season, remains firmly in that category, even if he's fallen behind Colston Loveland in the pass-catching pecking order.
Kmet’s Production Through the 2025 Season
Through the end of 2025, Kmet has remained one of Chicago’s most reliable offensive targets, even if his numbers dipped.
Kmet finished last year with 30 catches for 347 yards and two scores, his least productive season as a pro. In 2024, he totaled 47 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns.
The addition of first-round pick Colston Loveland forced Kmet into a second-fiddle role at tight end last season. Still, the Bears boasted arguably the best 1-2 punch at the position in the NFL in 2025. And Kmet was part of one of the greatest plays in team history:
Remember: Kmet is a fantastic run blocker, too.
Releasing him would create a void that likely costs more to fill than to restructure.
Why a Cole Kmet Release Was Always Unlikely
The idea of cutting Kmet stems from salary cap math, not performance.
Chicago’s offense needs continuity entering Year 2 of the Ben Johnson era. Removing a veteran tight end who understands protections, route timing, and is a locker-room leader would create unnecessary volatility.
Unless the Chicago Bears don't see any on-field benefit in keeping Kmet around, extending him makes the most sense. It would give Poles more spending power this offseason while delaying a keep-or-cut decision with Kmet for another year.
What This Signals About the Bears’ 2026 Offseason Strategy
If Brad Biggs is correct, then the Bears' approach to Cole Kmet proves how much value he has from an old-school football standpoint.
Kmet has been productive when called upon. He's one of the toughest players in the locker room. And he's a fan-favorite.
Why get rid of him if the Bears can figure out logical ways to keep him in town?
For a Bears team that's still building around Caleb Williams, continuity in 2026 may be just as valuable as cap space.
