As the 2025 NFL season fades into memory, the offseason is heating up with free agency looming large. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this means potentially bidding farewell to some key players who were instrumental in their Super Bowl triumph back in the 2020-21 season.
One name on everyone's lips is Cade Otton. Although he wasn't part of that Super Bowl-winning squad, he's become a crucial part of the Bucs' lineup.
The tight end market is buzzing, with big names like Isaiah Likely and David Njoku potentially up for grabs. For Otton, this could mean a lucrative new contract, but it might also mean leaving Tampa Bay, where he's spent six seasons.
If Otton decides to test the waters and pursue a bigger paycheck, the Bucs will need a new plan. They could dive into the free agency pool, but there's also a tantalizing trade option on the horizon. Enter Cole Kmet from the Chicago Bears, a veteran tight end who could be exactly what Tampa needs.
A trade for Kmet makes sense for both sides. The Bears are currently navigating a tricky salary cap situation, sitting about $4 million over the limit. Trading Kmet would free up over $23 million in cap space over the next two years, providing them with some much-needed financial breathing room.
Chicago's draft pick last season, Colston Loveland, has already shown a strong connection with quarterback Caleb Williams, emerging as a top target. While Kmet has been reliable, Loveland’s rise means Kmet could seek a team where he can shine as the primary tight end. This is where the Buccaneers could step in.
Bringing Kmet to Tampa wouldn't be about replacing Otton due to underperformance. It's about looking forward and enhancing the options for quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Kmet’s prowess in the red zone, underscored by ten more career touchdowns than Otton, adds a significant weapon to the Bucs' arsenal. Plus, his physical advantages-being taller and heavier-are invaluable in a position where blocking is key.
Five years on from their last Super Bowl appearance, the Bucs are at a crossroads. Change can be tough, especially when it means saying goodbye to familiar faces.
However, the NFL is all about evolution and seizing opportunities. If Chicago is open to a deal, Tampa Bay should be ready to make a bold move for the future.