With the Super Bowl in the books, the Chicago Bears can move even further into offseason mode and lock in on early decisions. Near the top of the list is entertaining the idea of parting ways with Cole Kmet via trade after a breakout season from rookie tight end Colston Loveland. From the moment the Bears drafted Loveland, it seemed that Kmet was on borrowed time, and now it makes sense to go ahead and part ways with the pass catcher, opening up further cap space.
According to Spotrac, trading Kmet would open up an additional $8.4 million in cap space if traded in the next weeks of the offseason. It makes sense for Chicago to save the space and move on from a pass catcher who has regressed each of the past two seasons. The yardage totals for Kmet have fallen in the wrong direction, making it clear there isn't the needed chemistry between Kmet and young quarterback Caleb Williams.
Year | Receptions | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
2023 | 73 | 719 |
2024 | 47 | 474 |
2025 | 30 | 347 |
Watching Kmet's receptions and yardage totals drop over the past two years, it has been increasingly clear that the veteran no longer fits what Chicago is building. The team would be far better served opening up cap space and utilizing the second tight-end spot to bring in an elite blocker. With a dynamic run game and a quarterback more than capable of creating with his legs, it makes far more sense to have Loveland as the featured receiving tight end and a secondary option focused on creating running lanes.
Bears Appear Increasingly Likely to Part Ways with Cole Kmet as 2025 Season Officially Ends
Loveland was a breakout player in his rookie season, finishing with 713 receiving yards and six touchdowns. If the Bears can clear the deck by parting ways with not only Kmet and veteran receiver DJ Moore, you have a young and exciting offense built around pass catchers all on rookie deals. Add in the fact you will have the cap space to add a dynamic playmaker if needed, and it simply makes far too much sense for Chicago not to attempt early in the offseason.
Parting ways with Kmet was promised the moment that Loveland was drafted. It simply doesn't make sense to pay two players at the same position, and Loveland's season showed promise that the young pass catcher is more than ready to be TE1 on a playoff team. This leaves the Bears with further motivation to trade Kmet and gain whatever return they can for a great receiving tight end with two years remaining on his deal.
For Kmet, this is the best scenario as well, giving the veteran a chance at a new landing spot where he can again be a featured weapon. Something that clearly isn't happening in Chicago, leaving the Bears every reason to want to turn the page.