30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Cole Kmet (No. 24)

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they’re looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it’s a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.

The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 24 is tight end Cole Kmet, who will once again play a key role in Ben Johnson’s offense with one of the league’s best tight end rooms. But there are some questions about Kmet’s future beyond 2026, and this season could prove to be key.

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Following the selection of rookie Colston Loveland, Kmet took a backseat in the passing game last season, totaling 30 receptions on 48 targets for 347 yards and two touchdowns, which was his worst output since his rookie year. He never eclipsed 46 receiving yards in a game, but that didn’t take away from his impact in Ben Johnson’s fourth-ranked offense. Kmet excelled as a blocker that helped pave the way for the NFL’s top-three rushing attack and proved to be a reliable pass catcher for Caleb Williams in a top-10 passing game. Johnson utilized a ton of 12- and 13-personnel, which made Kmet a valuable asset on offense, and he also brought leadership to the table in what was a relatively young skill position group.

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The Bears were one of the top teams that utilized two and three tight end sets, and that’s expected to continue as Johnson expands his playbook in Year 2. Kmet has been a vital contributor since he was drafted in 2020, and his role has evolved with Johnson’s offense being implemented. Kmet probably won’t be as prevalent in the passing game as he was in years past, especially with a loaded receiving corps, but his blocking will be crucial to Caleb Williams’ success, as well as the success of the offense as a whole. But, when called upon, Kmet should be a go-to for Williams in big passing situations. Kmet will also bring veteran leadership to a young tight end room featuring second-year pro Colston Loveland and third-round rookie Sam Roush.

There’s been plenty of speculation regarding Kmet’s future following the emergence of last year’s standout rookie Loveland, but he’s been a significant contributor for this offense since his arrival in 2020. Factor that in with his importance in Johnson’s offense, which relies heavily on 12 and 13 personnel, it’s hard to imagine Chicago parting ways with the veteran without a plan in place for his replacement. Now, if third-round pick Sam Roush proves his worth as a rookie, it could be a different story next offseason in the final year of Kmet’s current deal, especially considering his salary cap hit would jump from $7.7 million in 2026 to $15.42 million in 2027.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Cole Kmet (No. 24)