The Chicago Bears kick-started a new era this offseason, hiring Ben Johnson, revamping the coaching staff, and are looking to build a modern offense around quarterback Caleb Williams. One move that made it obvious that things were changing in Chicago was drafting Colston Loveland with the 12th-overall pick.
Even though the Bears had Cole Kmet at tight end, they went ahead and drafted another one in the first round, only two years after giving Kmet a four-year, $50 million contract extension. Now, for that move to make more sense, the Bears need to trade Kmet sooner rather than later.
Kmet, now in his sixth season with the Bears, was largely given that contract as a commitment to continuity. But continuity can be costly if it's not paired with production. With an $11.6 million cap hit in 2025, Kmet’s performance has simply not matched his paycheck — and the Bears need to get ahead of that problem now to avoid the 26-year-old playmaker's trade value tanking any further.
Bears Must Trade Cole Kmet Before His Trade Value Tanks Further
Through the first month of the 2025 season, Kmet’s production has been tepid at best. Despite a season-best outing in Week 4, he managed only 46 yards, while committing two penalties, dropping a pass, and missing blocks on Las Vegas Raiders defender Maxx Crosby. He also failed to haul in any of his contested targets, finishing the game with three catches out of his nine targets.
Meanwhile, the Bears have made it clear that they’re preparing for life after Kmet. Chicago used significant draft capital to select rookie tight end Colston Loveland, a move that not only brings in younger talent but also directly challenges Kmet’s long-term role. While Loveland hasn’t had a breakout moment yet, the Bears clearly want a tight end who can grow alongside Williams.
It also wasn't general manager Ryan Poles who drafted Kmet. Moving on from players whom you have not selected generally tends to be easier. Plus, the Bears are getting expensive, and they simply can't be paying a premium for a TE2. In order to build a consistent winner for Johnson, better allocation of resources is needed. So, if Kmet can bring back a mid-round draft pick or a player who fills a more immediate need for the Bears, it would behoove Poles to make the trade.
Most importantly, this would allow Loveland to take on a larger role without splitting reps with Kmet.
Kmet isn’t a bad player, but he’s not the right fit for where the Bears are headed. His skill set doesn’t elevate the offense, his contract is burdensome, and his ceiling may already be reached. If the Bears are serious about competing in 2025 and beyond, they need to make tough decisions, which involve moving on from expensive, replaceable veterans.