A new era in Chicago doesn’t just mean new playbooks — it means new standards. And now, just months into his tenure, head coach Ben Johnson has made it abundantly clear: contracts don’t buy comfort, and names don’t guarantee roles.
This week, reports surfaced that tight end Cole Kmet and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds — two of the Bears’ highest-paid players — were officially put on notice, both internally and in the court of public opinion. A brutal new ranking by Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport named both starters among the NFL’s most overpaid players at their positions, raising eyebrows and turning up the heat at Halas Hall.
But the real shock came not from the report — but from how quickly Ben Johnson responded.
Sources close to the team confirm that Johnson has restructured offensive packages that significantly reduce Kmet’s target share heading into camp. And that’s not all. The Bears’ top draft pick, rookie tight end Colston Loveland, is now getting first-team reps, a clear signal that Chicago is preparing for the future — and no longer tiptoeing around expensive veterans.
Kmet, who signed a 4-year, $50 million extension in 2023, had a career year with 73 catches for 719 yards and 6 touchdowns. But with Loveland’s arrival and Johnson’s offensive philosophy prioritizing speed, mismatches, and versatility, it’s becoming clear: Kmet may no longer be the long-term TE1 in Chicago. One league insider noted, “He’s still valuable. But Johnson wants dynamic. Loveland brings that edge.”
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Tremaine Edmunds — currently earning $18 million annually, second only to Fred Warner among inside linebackers — is also facing increased scrutiny. Despite another 100-tackle season, Edmunds graded as just the 119th-best linebacker in the league, per Pro Football Focus. Solid? Yes. Dominant? Not even close.
And now, Johnson is making subtle but deliberate shifts on defense too — handing more responsibilities to younger, faster linebackers in sub-packages. According to multiple camp observers, Edmunds has seen a slight reduction in snaps with the starting unit, as Johnson explores more flexible personnel groupings that align with his fast-paced, attacking style.
The message is clear: no one is untouchable.
“We’re not building around contracts,” Johnson told local reporters this week. “We’re building around production and fit. Period.”
Fans are already reacting with a mix of surprise and support. Many had been calling for a reset in accountability after years of stagnation under previous regimes.
“This is exactly what we’ve been waiting for,” one fan posted on X. “If you’re overpaid and underproducing, it’s time to earn your spot again.”
The silver lining for Chicago? Both Kmet and Edmunds still have the chance to prove they belong — and Johnson isn’t closing any doors just yet. But the leash is shorter. The expectations higher. And the tone has shifted.
The Bears aren’t just reloading. They’re reshaping. And now, with the tough calls already being made, the real competition begins.
