“Chicago Bears’ Cole Kmet: Why Is Our Star Tight End Doubling Up as the Team’s Long-Snapper?”
In a move that has left both fans and analysts scratching their heads, Chicago Bears’ tight end Cole Kmet has been asked to double up as the team’s long-snapper. Yes, you read that right. A key offensive player, known for his reliable hands and red-zone prowess, is now handling the specialized (and often overlooked) role of snapping the football during punts and field goal attempts.
But why on earth is this happening? Is this a brilliant stroke of versatility by the Bears’ coaching staff or a sign of desperation in a struggling franchise?
The Reality of the Bears’ Depth Issues
At first glance, the decision to make Kmet a two-position player speaks volumes about the Bears’ roster challenges. Special teams positions, like the long-snapper, rarely grab headlines, but they require unique skills and precision. A botched snap can lead to a game-changing turnover, and in a league as competitive as the NFL, these minor details are crucial.
The Bears’ recent history has been riddled with injuries, poor roster management, and questionable signings, which may explain the necessity of a player like Kmet being asked to fill multiple roles. While Kmet is no stranger to special teams duties (he occasionally plays on the field goal unit), taking on the long-snapper role raises concerns about the depth of the Bears’ roster and the quality of their backups.
Risking Injury to a Key Player
Another significant concern: why risk injury to one of the offense’s cornerstone players? Kmet, drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has blossomed into one of the Bears’ most reliable weapons. He’s coming off a season where he hauled in seven touchdowns and became a favorite target in an offense lacking explosiveness.
Long-snapping is no walk in the park. The position requires not only precision but also a level of physicality, especially when rushing defenders can slam into the snapper immediately after the ball is released. For a tight end who is expected to block, catch, and run routes, this seems like an unnecessary and potentially harmful duty.
A Strategy Born of Necessity or Over-Innovation?
Is this another example of the Bears overcomplicating things? It wouldn’t be the first time. The franchise has been criticized for trying to be “too clever” with its roster management and game strategies, often with disastrous results. Look no further than the revolving door of quarterbacks, head coaches, and general managers that have plagued the organization for years.
Some might argue that head coach Matt Eberflus is simply trying to maximize the talent on the roster. In today’s NFL, where roster spots are precious and injuries abound, having a versatile player like Kmet who can fill multiple roles could theoretically offer an advantage. But when that versatility comes at the expense of risking one of your top offensive weapons, it starts to feel like a gamble that isn’t worth taking.
The Message to the Fans
This situation doesn’t just raise eyebrows about team strategy; it also sends a message to Bears fans about the state of the franchise. Asking a player like Kmet to double up as a long-snapper reeks of desperation and highlights the organization’s continued struggle to build a deep and balanced roster. The Bears have consistently fallen short of expectations, and moves like this only reinforce the narrative that the team is grasping at straws to stay competitive.
Fans are rightly concerned. While Kmet has proven to be a workhorse, taking on this additional responsibility could lead to fatigue or injury, reducing his effectiveness in the role the Bears actually drafted him for—catching touchdowns.
Conclusion: A Controversial Decision with High Stakes
Cole Kmet’s role as both the Bears’ tight end and long-snapper is emblematic of the challenges facing this storied franchise. Whether this move will pay off as a stroke of genius or backfire horribly remains to be seen. For now, Bears fans can only hope that Kmet’s talents won’t be wasted—or worse, that this bold strategy doesn’t lead to another injury in a season where the team can ill afford any more setbacks.