Bears GM Ryan Poles’ Cole Kmet endorsement resurfaces after season-ending injury

The Chicago Bears entered their 2026 season with high hopes for tight end Cole Kmet. But those plans have been tarnished, as Kmet has suffered a season-ending knee injury.

With 10 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown prior to the injury, the tight end’s numbers may not have jumped off the page. However, his work as a blocker in the run game will be difficult to replace. And with 298 grabs for 3,026 yards and 22 touchdowns over his seven years with the Bears, opposing defenses can’t afford to ignore Kmet in open space.

Beyond his work on the gridiron, the tight end is also the longest-tenured member of the franchise. He has carved out a legacy and gained the respect of all those involved with the Bears.

That includes general manager Ryan Poles. He may not have drafted Kmet, but the GM did sign him to a $50 million extension in 2023. Like all of Chicago, Poles was heartbroken seeing the tight end forced to be carted off.

Bears’ Ryan Poles pays Cole Kmet respect

Poles has affectionately referred to Kmet as “Mr. Dependable,” in the past. Prior to his season-ending injury, the tight end had missed just one game due to injury over seven years. Furthermore, he as willing to take on any role whether it be as a pass catcher or blocker.

The Bears will try to replace Kmet’s role in the offense with rookie Sam Roush. But no matter who took the snaps, Poles knows things will look a lot different in Chicago, via Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic.

“Ben and I talk about him a lot,” Poles said. “There’s a level of dependability and consistency that he brings to the table that is so valuable because sometimes there can be guys that are super talented, but you’ve got to ride the roller coasters of the highs and lows, and you just appreciate a guy who is the same dude every single day.”

“He’s Mr. Dependable, and that’s not just something where you show up in practice or a game and it happens,” the GM continued. “It’s work ethic, how he studies, how he works on his body. You want part of your culture to see that and mimic that because if we can get a lot of guys that can really stay consistent, then you know exactly what you’re going to get day in, day out.”

With Kmet set to become a free agent after 2027, questions about his future will emerge after the season. For now, Poles and company are just hopeful the tight end’s recovery starts off smoothly.

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