While Kmet's season-long statistics weren't as high as in previous years, the six-year pro routinely produced in clutch moments, like the playoff game, and was make a big impact in the Bears' run game, which ranked third in the league.
One of Kmet's top performances came against the Vikings Nov. 16, when he caught all five of his targets for 45 yards, helping the Bears to a 19-17 win in Minneapolis.
"I thought Cole played one of his best games he has so far this year," Johnson said following the win. "I get he caught a couple more balls, but I'm not even talking about that. He's great in the running game, and then pass pro, we put him in some tough matchups there on some of their defensive end or outside linebacker types, and I thought he did an outstanding job throughout that. When he was a ball carrier, you felt his presence out there. He was lowering his shoulder, he was stiff-arming. He brought our sideline to life a couple of times."
The Bears also utilized veteran tight end Durham Smythe in 2025. The seventh-year pro played a key role in run and pass blocking, playing 25% of the offensive snaps, and also contributed on special teams, playing 50% of the snaps.