Offseason outlook: Will Bears seek tight end complement for Cole Kmet?

(670 The Score) One of the great individual success stories for the Bears in 2023 was with tight end Cole Kmet.

Kmet signed a four-year, $50-million contract extension at the start of training camp, locking him in as a core player for the Bears’ future. Then he went and out-played his new deal as part of a breakout fourth NFL season.

The 24-year-old Kmet has earned the Bears’ belief moving forward, but this team must also seek quality depth at tight end.

The position of tight end isn’t a pressing priority for the Bears, though it’s one they can improve by finding the right complement to Kmet.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .

Who’s under contract: Cole Kmet, 24; Stephen Carlson, 27
Free agents: Marcedes Lewis, 39; Robert Tonyan Jr., 29

2023 review

In his fourth season, Kmet transformed from a reliable player to a key playmaker on offense. He was second on the Bears with 73 receptions – trailing only top target DJ Moore – and finished tied for seventh in receptions among all NFL tight ends.

Kmet’s six touchdowns were second on the Bears behind only Moore, and tied for second among all players at his position.

A second-round pick to the Bears in 2020, Kmet has ascended in his four seasons and the contract extension was well deserved.

The Bears filled out their tight end room with 39-year-old Marcedes Lewis, an 18-year NFL veteran who remains a top-quality run blocker, plus Robert Tonyan Jr. and reserve Stephen Carlson.

Tonyan struggled to emerge as a weapon on offense, hauling in just 11 receptions and no scores last season.

What comes next?

With Kmet set in the Bears’ plans, this team must now search for quality options around him at tight end.

Lewis should be welcomed back for his age-40 season, this after making a strong impression on the Bears. He served as a strong presence in the blocking game and a key veteran leader in the locker room.

The Bears could seek a veteran tight end in free agency to fill out the depth chart, perhaps with a player like Hunter Henry or Noah Fant entering the fold. Chicago could also make a bold investment with a tight end selected early in the draft – coveting a dynamic duo with Kmet.

Georgia standout Brock Bowers, considered the top tight end in this NFL Draft class, is an option for the Bears with the No. 9 pick.

Though the Bears cleaned house with much of their offensive coaching staff, tight ends coach Jim Dray will return for a third season.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .