Cole Kmet quickly went from a potential massive winner of the offseason to one of the big losers in minutes.
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson, the thought was that he would do wonders for Kmet, who is entering the third year of his four-year extension. Now, he sits outside the top 20 in our most important players ranking.
Chicago Bears Most Important Players in 2025: Number 22 – Cole Kmet
Ben Johnson has always had a plan to get production out of his tight end, and at first, most assumed that would benefit Kmet. On draft night, there were rumblings that the team might go in a different direction, and tight end was not a position many expected them to target. Then, they drafted Colston Loveland.
Let’s keep it real — Loveland may not play as much as Kmet in 2025. However, the progression and development of Loveland is much more important to the Bears both this year and going forward. He likely won't see the field as much in early downs because of his blocking limitations, but he could still end up being a more impactful receiving threat right away.
Beyond that, how Loveland performs will directly impact how much the Bears need Kmet in the final year of his deal. The team can get out of that contract with minimal penalty, and if Loveland ascends, they may choose to do just that.
Kmet is also coming off his lowest production since his rookie season. Now he enters a room that features a top-ten pick at tight end, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden at wide receiver, and D’Andre Swift as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
Read more: Ranking most important Bears on 2025 roster: Number 23 is run-stopping tackle
This could easily be another quiet year for Kmet in the passing game, even if he plays often as a blocker. That is what keeps him outside the top 20 and lands him at number 22 on the list.