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Windy City Gridiron fantasy football takes on Cole Kmet
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Windy City Gridiron about Cole Kmet.
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Positive
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Insight ledger
All Windy City Gridiron insights about Cole Kmet
PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Cole Kmet is locked in as a core tight end in the Bears' anticipated 13 personnel package for 2026, with the team planning to keep four tight ends on the roster to maintain offensive continuity if one of the top three tight ends (Loveland, Kmet, or Sam Roush) suffers an injury.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in a physical run during 11-on-11s that resulted in a fight with Austin Booker; the incident was described as 'nothing serious' with 'joking after,' indicating competitive intensity but no lasting concern.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
The source mentions Cole Kmet as a supporting piece in the Bears' skill group alongside Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland, suggesting he will contribute to the dynamic receiving corps in 2026.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in the play where Coby Bryant suffered his knee injury during the first day of padded practices; Bryant came down awkward after getting tangled up with the 6'6", 257 tight end, providing context for the injury mechanism and Kmet's physical presence in practice.PositiveUsageAug 9, 2026
Tight end was on fire at the end of a team drill with the second-team offense alongside Tyson Bagent. He also gave Ruben Hyppolite coverage problems during practice.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Kmet was targeted on a crossing route by Caleb Williams during practice, demonstrating his role in the offensive scheme.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Tight end praised by OC Press Taylor for versatility and selflessness; this is the second coach to commend Kmet's team-first mentality and leadership. The source emphasizes that Kmet's value stems from both his versatility and his selfless approach, which contributes to the offense's explosive play design. Kmet epitomizes the Bears' offensive philosophy of attacking defenses rather than focusing on efficiency.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Cole Kmet was involved in the 1-on-1 rep during which Coby Bryant suffered his left knee injury during the first padded practice. This provides context on Kmet's participation level and role in team drills.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
Tight end Cole Kmet, the Bears' longest-tenured player entering his seventh season with the organization, highlighted the operational clarity and coaching continuity as a major difference in this year's training camp compared to previous years. Kmet stated: "It's a different feel to camp than maybe in years past. I've spent a lot of my career wondering what's next and how's tomorrow going to go. I feel like I kinda know what to expect at this point, especially with this staff, and what they want to get done and what they expect from each individual." He emphasized the value of understanding his role within the offensive scheme and the team's direction: "It's nice coming in and getting ready for a season understanding how you fit in the scheme of things, and then also the direction of this offense, where we want it go, and the identity we want to forge." Kmet described the start of training camp as "operationally sound."NegativeUsageAug 1, 2026
The Bears are running more 13 personnel (three tight ends) with Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Sam Roush, reflecting Johnson's scheme shift toward heavier run-game and pass-protection emphasis over Kmet's receiving volume.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Under Ben Johnson in 2025, Cole Kmet's passing game opportunities have shrunk significantly; his 48 targets, 30 receptions, and 347 yards were his lowest totals since his rookie season (2020). Johnson's offense emphasizes run game and pass protection, reducing Kmet's receiving role despite his willingness to accept the shift in responsibilities.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
aDOT of 8.8 in 2025 (only two tight ends behind Loveland's 9.0 in that category); while unlikely to approach 2023 career highs of 73 receptions and 719 yards, remains a top 32 player at the position; deployed in 13 personnel alongside Loveland and Sam Roush.PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026
Kmet is locked into the top three tight end spots as part of head coach Ben Johnson's emphasis on reworking the tight end room.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Grizzled veteran Cole Kmet, who is just 27 years old, ranked 31st among all tight ends by PFF. Despite the presence of star youngster Colston Loveland, Kmet continues to play an important role; he hasn't recaptured his peak receiving performance but has averaged over 10 yards per reception in each of the past two seasons while tallying six touchdowns. Kmet's value as a blocker is extremely important for maintaining flexibility in Ben Johnson's offense.PositiveProjectionJul 22, 2026
Cole Kmet has a decent chance at breaking the franchise reception record for a tight end in 2026, positioning him as a high-volume target in the Bears offense.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Kmet is part of one of the most talented tight end rooms in the NFL under new tight ends coach Jim Dray; Ben Johnson has made clear that tight end is the most important element of his layered, explosive offensive system, second only to the quarterback.