5 Chicago Bears who are on pace for career years in 2023

Cole Kmet, TE

Another player who has been a part of the team since he was a rookie is Cole Kmet. Kmet earned his contract extension and received it earlier this season. He came out and said that he would live up to that contract by making plays on the field. He let his play speak for him and didn't fold up after being paid. Instead, he is having a career year and is one of the best tight ends in the league this year.

As it stands, Cole Kmet has 70 receptions on 86 targets. That's good for an 81.4% catch rate and easily a career-high for the former Notre Dame standout. Kmet has 678 yards (career high) and six touchdowns. He's one touchdown away from tying his career high (2022) with two games left. Unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury against the Cardinals and his availability is in question. Should he play in either or both of the next two games, I'd like to see him reach a career-high in touchdowns as well.

It's obvious that Justin Fields trusts Kmet. Kmet also had a career day vs. the Cardinals despite not playing the full game. He caught 4 of 5 passes for 107 yards. It was his first 100-yard receiving game of his career and he capped it off with another touchdown. For a guy many fans were concerned couldn't score, Kmet has 13 touchdowns combined in 2022 and 2023.

Compared to other tight ends in the league, Kmet is sixth in receptions, eighth in yards, ninth in yards after the catch, second in catch rate and tied for second in touchdowns. Oh, and don't look now, but Kmet is tied with Travis Kelce for the 5th-longest reception for 53 yards.