Cole Kmet Refuses to Back Down From Rookie Colston Loveland, Embraces Competition for Bears’ Starting Tight End Role in 2025

The Chicago Bears’ tight end room has become one of the most intriguing position battles of the 2025 NFL offseason. And at the center of the drama is a motivated veteran, Cole Kmet, and a highly touted first-round rookie, Colston Loveland. With training camp now in full swing at Halas Hall, Kmet made it clear that he’s not backing down—not now, not ever.

Kmet, who has been the Bears’ starting tight end since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, faces his stiffest competition yet. Loveland, the 6-foot-5 playmaker out of Michigan, was taken with the No. 24 overall pick in April and has been hailed as a future star. But if anyone thinks Kmet will step aside quietly, they’re mistaken.

“I’ve earned everything I’ve got in this league, and nothing’s changing now,” Kmet said earlier this week. “Colston is a great player, and he’s going to help this team, but I’m here to compete.”

Veteran vs. Rookie: A Showdown at Tight End

The Bears’ front office made waves on draft night by selecting Loveland, a move that surprised some analysts considering Kmet had signed a four-year extension worth $50 million just last season. But General Manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have made it clear: this is a competition, not a coronation.

“Cole knows the expectations,” Johnson told reporters. “He’s a leader, a tone-setter. But we drafted Colston for a reason. We believe in both of them, and we’ll let the competition decide.”

That competition has already become one of the most talked-about aspects of training camp. Observers at practice have noted Kmet’s increased intensity in drills and his vocal leadership with the offense. At the same time, Loveland has flashed the athleticism and route-running polish that made him a coveted draft prospect.

According to sources close to the team, the Bears plan to run more 12-personnel (two tight end) sets this season, meaning both Kmet and Loveland could see significant snaps. But Kmet isn’t relying on schematic possibilities to secure his role—he’s attacking every rep with purpose.

Proving He Belongs — Again

Kmet’s NFL journey has been one of persistence and growth. After a slow start to his career, he broke out in 2022 with 50 catches and six touchdowns, proving himself a reliable red-zone target and strong blocker. The following season, he followed it up with 63 receptions for 719 yards, further solidifying his role.

Still, the Loveland pick introduced uncertainty. Some interpreted it as a sign that the Bears were looking to the future, but Kmet sees it differently.

“I’ve dealt with competition my whole life—from Notre Dame to here,” Kmet said. “You either rise or you don’t. I choose to rise.”

Teammates have noticed Kmet’s leadership throughout camp. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, called Kmet “a huge voice in the locker room” and praised his work ethic.

“He’s the guy always staying late, always talking through reads and protections with me,” Williams said. “He’s been a big help in my transition.”

Loveland Drawing Buzz, But Kmet Stands Tall

Loveland’s arrival has certainly generated buzz, especially among fans excited by his college tape. At Michigan, he showcased a rare combination of speed, size, and hands. The comparisons to stars like George Kittle and Dalton Kincaid are already being thrown around, but Loveland himself has stayed humble, repeatedly crediting Kmet for his mentorship.

“Cole’s been awesome,” Loveland said. “He’s helping me learn the playbook, talking through coverages, showing me how to be a pro.”

The respect appears mutual. Despite the looming position battle, Kmet has taken Loveland under his wing, even while fighting to retain his top spot.

“There’s nothing wrong with helping a teammate get better,” Kmet explained. “I want what’s best for the team. But don’t get it twisted—I’m coming for that TE1 role every single day.”

That duality—mentor and competitor—is a testament to Kmet’s character, according to tight ends coach Jim Dray.

“Cole’s maturity is off the charts,” Dray said. “He understands that iron sharpens iron. This competition is making both guys better.”

Inside the Scheme: What Ben Johnson Has Planned

New offensive coordinator Collin Klein and head coach Ben Johnson are installing a system that values versatility at the tight end position. In Detroit, where Johnson rose to prominence, tight ends like T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta played key roles in both blocking and receiving schemes.

Now in Chicago, Johnson wants to replicate that success.

“We’re going to be creative with how we use both guys,” Johnson said. “There are situations where we’ll need Cole’s blocking. Other times, Colston’s athleticism might give us an edge. Ideally, we make defenses guess.”

That approach means there’s room for both tight ends—but also increased pressure to stand out in every facet of the game. Kmet has worked to improve his speed and footwork this offseason, while Loveland has been focused on strengthening his inline blocking.

So far, neither has pulled ahead significantly. In red-zone drills, Kmet has been a reliable target, using his size to shield defenders. Loveland, meanwhile, has wowed with seam routes and one-handed grabs.

Locker Room Dynamics and Leadership

One thing that separates Kmet is his locker room presence. As one of the longest-tenured Bears on offense, he’s a vocal leader, someone teammates look to when adversity hits.

“You can feel his passion for this team,” wide receiver DJ Moore said. “Cole doesn’t say stuff just to say it. When he speaks, guys listen.”

Loveland, while quieter, has impressed with his professionalism. Kmet has taken it upon himself to show the rookie the ropes, something he says was done for him years ago by Jimmy Graham and Jesse James.

“They took the time to guide me,” Kmet said. “Now I get to do the same.”

Still, come Week 1, Kmet isn’t content to be a mentor alone—he plans to be a difference-maker on the field.

Eyes on the Season Ahead

As the Bears approach their first preseason game, the tight end competition remains neck-and-neck. Reporters expect both Kmet and Loveland to get significant reps, and coaches are eager to see how they perform in game settings.

“I love the fire both guys bring,” Ben Johnson said. “That’s what championship teams are built on—competition, respect, and accountability.”

For Kmet, the message is simple.

“This is my job until someone takes it from me,” he said. “And I don’t plan on making that easy.”

With a new quarterback under center and a revamped offensive staff, the Bears are entering a new era. And while Colston Loveland might be the future, Cole Kmet is proving that the present still runs through him.

Cole Kmet’s determination, leadership, and willingness to embrace the challenge of Colston Loveland’s arrival reflect a competitor’s mindset. Whether he starts Week 1 or shares snaps, Kmet’s attitude is helping define the culture Chicago’s new regime wants. As the battle at tight end unfolds, one thing is clear—Cole Kmet isn’t backing down.