‘It’s miserable’: Bears TE Cole Kmet gets brutally honest about lack of touches

Cole Kmet saw his role diminish last season with the Chicago Bears with then-rookie Colston Loveland’s strong play. The veteran started and played more snaps early in the campaign before playing less as the year progressed.

Kmet finished 2025 with 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Loveland, on the other hand, recorded 58 catches for 713 yards and six scores. The second-year star is expected to become the primary tight end and be among Caleb Williams’ favorite targets.

Chicago is looking to surpass its success from last season. The team won the NFC North with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round. However, the Bears lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams. They face the toughest schedule in 2026 but are ready to silence their critics.

Chicago Bears Cole Kmet — Cole Kmet at Chicago Bears minicam.

Bears TE Cole Kmet expresses frustration with diminished role

Kmet did not hide his frustrations when asked for his thoughts on his lack of touches. The 27-year-old highlighted that he wants his team to have more success and that he’ll continue to play his role.

“I’d rather win, man,” Kmet said. “It’s miserable around here when you’re not winning. I know when I do get the ball, it’s great and all that stuff, but they put a heavy value on the run game and pass pro, all that stuff. That stuff really doesn’t concern me. Like I said, I feel like you do what they ask you to do here and you do it at a high level, you’re not going to have much to worry about. So that’s kind of how I go about things.”

“I’d rather win, man. It’s miserable around here when you’re not winning.”

Cole Kmet on not getting the ball as much: pic.twitter.com/SyrrW0KzVv

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) August 1, 2026

Chicago enters a crucial season with a huge target on its back. Several analysts are predicting that the team will have a worse record than what it had last year. However, Kmet, Williams and the rest of the Bears have their sights set on a potential Super Bowl run.