Training camp began this week for the Chicago Bears, meaning we are that much closer to seeing real football.

The Bears had an extremely disappointing 2022 season, but the vibes seem to be good around Halas Hall. Justin Fields showed some encouraging signs in 2022, and his supporting cast is better than ever. 

On Wednesday, the team locked up a key young playmaker for the foreseeable future. 

Per Adam Schefter, the Bears have agreed to a four-year, $50M extension with stud tight end Cole Kmet.

Another deal: Bears and TE Cole Kmet reached agreement on a four-year, $50 million extension, including $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in new first-year cash, per me and @FieldYates.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2023

Kmet gets a whopping $32.8M guaranteed, which places him in the top tier of TE salaries. Since the tight end was drafted in the second round, there was no fifth-year option in his rookie contract.

Kmet was the leading pass-catcher for the Bears in 2022, collecting 50 catches for 544 yards and seven touchdowns. The tight end had 10 more receptions than Darnell Mooney who finished second on the team with 40 grabs. 

2022 was the second consecutive year where Kmet was the first or second most effective pass-catcher on the team. In 2021, Kmet had 60 catches for 612 yards but failed to catch a TD pass. Kmet is not too shabby as a blocker either, finishing with a solid PFF grade in all three of his NFL seasons. 

The Chicagoland native has chemistry with Justin Fields and figures to be a security blanket for QB. Kmet will have less pressure as a receiver in 2023, however, as veteran Robert Tonyan was brought in to provide a solid veteran presence at the position. 

Additionally, stud receiver DJ Moore will give Fields an elite receiver finally and will take up most of the defense's attention. Because of this, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tonyan set a new career-high in receptions this season. 

Featured image via © Mike Dinovo | 2022 Nov 6