Implications of Evan Engram's Extension for Cole Kmet's Role
We open today with the knowledge that Cole Kmet, tight end for the Chicago Bears, is certainly a contentious figure within the franchise's fanbase, eliciting a surprising range of reactions.
Fresh on the heels of Sunday's announcement that Jaguars' tight end Evan Engram had landed a three-year contract extension worth $42.5 million, the conversation has inevitably turned to what Kmet could fetch in the open market. Despite being on his second team and nearing the age of 30, Engram's handsome deal is thanks in no small part to Jacksonville's franchise tag.
Although Engram is primarily utilized as a receiving tight end and Kmet is more of a traditional, blocking 'Y' tight end, their offensive stats aren't that far apart. Engram may have outdone Kmet in total yardage last season (766 yards vs. 544 yards), but Kmet triumphed in several other areas, including:
- Yards-Per-Reception (Kmet: 10.9 y/r, Engram: 10.5 y/r)- Yards-Per-Target (Kmet: 7.9 y/t, Engram: 7.8 y/t)- Touchdowns (Kmet: 7 in 2022 & 9 in the last 3 years, Engram: 4 in 2022 & 8 in the last 3 years)- Percentage of Total Passing Yards (Kmet: 20.93% of total passing yards, Engram: 18.62% of total passing yards)
Coupled with his superior blocking skills and heavier involvement in Chicago's ground game, Kmet may have a compelling argument for commanding a sizable contract. When I floated this idea on Twitter, the responses were polarized, with very few fans sitting on the fence.
This prompted me to revisit Kmet's performances, freed from the emotional biases that often color our week-to-week assessments of players. On rewatch, I noted a significant evolution in Kmet's route running, with the young player harnessing his physicality to create separation from defenders.
In particular, the first clip in the cutup illustrates this improvement beautifully, as Kmet uses his size and strength to unbalance his defender and gain separation. This new and improved Kmet is a world away from the player we've seen getting boxed out in tight coverage in previous seasons.
But is Kmet worth a cool $13-$15 million a year? Before this deep dive into his performances, I'd have said no. Now, however, I find myself wavering.
On the one hand, that's a significant chunk of change for a player who may only ever range from average to slightly above average. How much of Kmet's production is down to his individual talent versus the lack of other receiving options on the team? It's worth noting that 40% of Kmet's 2022 yardage was gained following an injury to Darnell Mooney.
On the other hand, Kmet's tape reveals a player who is making steady improvements and doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. He may not be the league's top tight end, but he consistently ranks in the top half of the league's approximately 45 tight ends. His versatility allows offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to be creative with formations without telegraphing the team's intent to the opposition.
Ultimately, contract prices in the NFL can seem shocking at first, but quickly become the norm. If General Manager Ryan Poles sees promise in Kmet and envisions a larger role for him in the future, an extension could be on the cards. Given that the Bears are currently below the cap floor, I'd wager that a deal might be in the works.
| POLL | ||
18 JUILLET | 50 ANSWERS Implications of Evan Engram's Extension for Cole Kmet's Role SHould the Bears extend Cole Kmet? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 74 % |
| No | 13 | 26 % |
| List of polls | ||
