Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 19
Even with bright future, Bears bemoan missed opportunity vs. Rams
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet #85 celebrates with teammates after catching a pass for a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-TimesAshlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Mere minutes after the Bears’ season ended Sunday night, someone asked Cole Kmet about the team being well-positioned for the future.
The tight end wasn’t ready to go there. To do so would be to disrespect the opportunity the Bears had just tried — and failed — to grasp in their 20-17 overtime loss to the Rams at Soldier Field.
“The work we put in is for this year,” he said. “Not for next year.”
