The Chicago Bears' Sunday date with the Cincinnati Bengals — the NFL's worst team vs. TEs this season — provided an opportunity for either Cole Kmet or Colston Loveland to finally break out after a quiet 2025 campaign. Unfortunately for Kmet, he was forced to leave in the second quarter and ruled out due to a concussion.
However, that only cleared the way for Loveland to operate as the featured tight end in a shootout, and the rookie ended up putting together the best game of his career with six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
The Michigan product showed the exact kind of playmaking Chicago was missing from the No. 10 overall pick, and it gives the Bears every reason to make a full shift at TE to prioritize his development after this eye-opening performance.
Colston Loveland's Breakout Seals Cole Kmet's Fate in Chicago
While some fans might be concerned that Loveland's breakout is a one-off, his consistently improving performances say otherwise. His yardage totals have now increased in three consecutive games since Week 6, which coincides with his increasing snap count during that stretch:
- Week 6: 27 snaps — 2 catches for 11 yards
- Week 7: 46 snaps — 3 catches for 24 yards
- Week 8: 51 snaps — 3 catches for 38 yards
- Week 9: 63 snaps — 6 catches for 118 yards, 2 TDs
Assuming that Sunday gave him the confidence he's been lacking, the sky could be the limit for Loveland going forward, which would seal Kmet's fate with the Bears. It's become increasingly clear that the veteran tight end isn't a good fit in head coach Ben Johnson's system, recording only nine catches for 132 yards and one touchdown so far.
Loveland continuing to play as the TE1 down the stretch could open the door for Chicago to trade Kmet. Such a trade would save between $8.4 million and $10 million, depending on when it happens in the offseason, according to Spotrac.
The Bears drafted Loveland with the belief that he'd grow into their franchise TE of the future, but it looks like he's finally ready to be a present contributor. Keeping his foot on the gas pedal would ensure that the rookie pass-catcher won't have to share targets with Kmet next season.