Bears sign Cole Kmet to four-year contract extension

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The Chicago Bears and tight end Cole Kmet agreed Wednesday to a four-year, $50 million contract extension through 2027, a reward for a homegrown player coming off his best season.

Kmet had 50 receptions for 544 yards and seven touchdowns last season after catching just two scoring passes through his first two years. He has 138 catches for 1,399 yards in his career.

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Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball after a reception against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

"When you look back at kind of the stuff I was doing my rookie year, I look like an idiot out there at times, ya know?" Kmet said. "But it’s cool to see the progression and where things are going. I’ve seen the improvement every year and I’m looking to continue to take those steps this coming year and the years beyond."

General manager Ryan Poles called him "a core part of our group" in a statement and added: "We think his best football is ahead of him and can’t wait to see how he helps our offense this season and the seasons to come."

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Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Kmet grew up about 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field in Lake Barrington, Illinois. He played three seasons at Notre Dame before the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2020 under former general manager Ryan Pace. Kmet is the first