Top 5 NFC North tight ends in 2023 ranked

2. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears

Despite all of the pass-catching additions the Bears have made this offseason, Cole Kmet has a crucial role to play. Kmet has become a go-to target for quarterback Justin Fields, and that should continue this season.

Kmet's numbers have improved in all three seasons with the Bears. While he had fewer receptions and receiving yards in 2022 than the year prior, he went from no touchdowns to seven, showing improvements as a receiver. Kmet had only caught two touchdowns in his first two seasons.

He managed to find some success in a struggling Bears offense. Now, he gets the benefit of playing in a far deeper receiving corps. The addition of DJ Moore at wide receiver and Robert Tonyan at tight end takes the pressure off Kmet. Defenses have more to worry about, which should create openings for Kmet in the middle of the field.

Kmet is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, so he has everything to play for. He has the opportunity to have the best season of his career in an improved Bears offense, which would go a long way to landing a new long-term contract, either from the Bears or another team in free agency next offseason.