The Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads with tight end Cole Kmet, as the team contemplates its next move. Whether it's a trade or release, there's a buzz around what the Bears might do with their long-time player.
The idea of trading Kmet isn't far-fetched, especially with suggestions like the one from Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, who proposed the Carolina Panthers could send a 2026 fifth-round pick to Chicago in exchange for Kmet. This move could bolster the Panthers' passing game, as Kmet has consistently surpassed 400 receiving yards in all but his rookie and last seasons. With the Bears having struck gold with Colston Loveland, they might be open to parting ways with Kmet for some cap relief, possibly settling for a Day 3 draft pick.
But is this the right move for the Bears? Kmet's contract still has two years left, with an $11.6 million cap hit each season through 2027, according to Spotrac.
Trading him before June 1 could save Chicago $8.4 million, leaving a manageable $3.2 million dead cap hit. This financial maneuver could be crucial as the Bears aim to strengthen their roster for a potential Super Bowl run.
Kmet's impact last season was limited, aside from a crucial game-tying touchdown in the NFC Divisional Round against the Rams. With just 347 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season, the Bears might find it hard to justify his cap hit, especially when Loveland seems ready to step up as the primary tight end. Chicago has other pressing needs, and freeing up cap space could be key to addressing them.
However, settling for just a fifth-round pick for a starting-caliber tight end like Kmet might feel like a bitter pill to swallow. The Bears are in a tough spot, balancing the need to save money with the desire to get fair value in return.
Kmet has been a solid contributor over the years, but as the team looks to the future, offloading him could be a necessary step. Ensuring they get a worthwhile deal in the process is equally important.