​Bears urged to make Cole Kmet decision amid unexpected praise from NFL executive originally appeared on The Sporting News. The Sporting News is listed as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season with one of the most intriguing offenses in the NFL, and Caleb Williams paired with Ben Johnson in their second year together is anticipated to bring a thrilling dynamic to the lineup. While the spotlight undeniably shines on the young talent at wide receiver, especially Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland, there is growing talk about adding another productive piece to the mix.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that an NFL executive has high praise for Cole Kmet and is encouraging the Bears to feature him more prominently alongside Loveland in 2026. According to a personnel executive with an NFL team, Kmet remains a high-quality contributor who fits well with a young quarterback and performs well in the running game. The executive emphasized the importance of finding ways to put Kmet and Loveland on the field together as often as possible.
Kmet, a $50 million Bears tight end who was viewed as a potential trade candidate in the offseason, is the player this executive believes deserves greater opportunities with Chicago in 2026. While Loveland’s development in Year 2 is drawing considerable attention, the executive cautions against letting Kmet’s role be sidelined. It may be unlikely that the Bears will fully heed this executive’s advice, but head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy appear poised to deploy plenty of 12 personnel—a formation featuring two tight ends on the field—during the coming season.
With Loveland establishing himself as a key weapon, and with Odunze and Burden providing the primary receiving threats, pairing Loveland with Kmet could maximize the Bears’ offensive potential. The idea is that Loveland and Kmet could be on the field together, complemented by running back D’Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai, to create mismatches and keep defenses guessing. Loveland produced 713 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 58 receptions last season, establishing himself as the more explosive playmaker among the pair. Kmet, meanwhile, totaled 347 yards and two touchdowns on 30 receptions and has continued to be a reliable target and a stout blocker in Chicago’s offense.
The NFL executive who praised Kmet also noted that Kmet’s value should not be overlooked given his versatility and veteran presence, even as the team leans into Loveland’s breakout potential. Kmet earned an honorable mention in this season’s top-10 tight end rankings, a nod to his enduring performance and importance to the Bears’ tight-end group. The praise underscores a broader sentiment that Kmet remains a valuable asset whose role could be expanded to complement Loveland and the Bears’ broader offensive scheme.
Bears fans and analysts will be watching closely how Chicago leverages its tight ends in 2026, particularly in two-tight-end formations designed to maximize production when paired with the team’s burgeoning receiving corps. While the reception of this executive’s advice may vary, the overarching takeaway is clear: Kmet should not be overlooked as Chicago looks to optimize its offensive personnel around a dynamic quarterback and a weapon-rich lineup. The potential for a more diversified and potent attack, leveraging both Kmet and Loveland on the field at the same time, could be a defining feature of the Bears’ 2026 offense.