After the offseason departure of DJ Moore, it appears the Chicago Bears have put themselves in a position to rely on Cole Kmet for at least one more season. While trade rumors have swirled ever since the addition of Colston Loveland, the departures and offseason moves suggest that Chicago is at least leaning towards starting the year with Kmet as a key part of Ben Johnson's offense.
Still, a trade cannot be ruled out entirely after the draft addition of Sam Roush and the clear move to focus on long-term youthful fits when it comes to Chicago's playmakers. With this in mind, let's look at potential landing spots if Kmet were to be dealt either ahead of or in the 2026 season.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City has watched Travis Kelce consider retirement each of the past two years and has every reason to consider the future at the position. Kmet not only offers a long-term solution but can take some of the pressure off Kelce and save the legend's best moments for a potential playoff run. It also should be noted that the Chiefs have limited receiver depth, and backup tight end Noah Gray is coming off a rough 2025 season.
The only downside to this potential deal is the fact that KC remains a clear Super Bowl contender, leaving the move potentially haunting the Bears in a deep January run. Still, it makes far too much sense for both sides not to at least consider.
2. Denver Broncos
Another AFC West team is dealing with playoff expectations and little clarity when it comes to their future at the position. Kmet offers Bo Nix another target upgrade for an offense that has focused its efforts on adding pass catchers for a quarterback who was clearly asked to do far too much at the end of the 2025 season.
For Kmet, it makes sense to join Sean Payton's offense and add an elite pass catching threat at a position that remains a clear liability. The fit benefits both sides and hands the Bears a draft pick from a team that could be set to take a step back after becoming one of the surprise playoff berths a season ago.
3. Washington Commanders
Trading Kmet in the NFC might not be ideal, but as long as it is outside of the NFC North, it is a clear possibility. Leading us to look at a potential pairing with Jayden Daniels as the quarterback returns from an injury-marred season. Washington clearly has a need to add more reliable targets, and the current tight end room leaves reason to believe an upgrade at the position is unquestionably on the table.
With this in mind, Kmet landing with the Commanders would be ideal in the fact it isn't a top contender, but a team giving the veteran a chance to play a meaningful role. If the Braves are trading the tight end within the NFC, the Commanders are clearly the best fit.
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