The Chicago Bears have a top tight end group in the league with Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and rookie Sam Roush. But would they consider parting ways with Kmet this offseason?
That’s what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explored in a new article, where he presented some hypothetical trade proposals involving Kmet to four different teams. That included deals with the Carolina Panthers (Kmet and 2028 sixth-rounder for 2027 third-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick); Baltimore Ravens (Kmet for 2028 third-round pick), Kansas City Chiefs (Kmet and 2027 fifth-rounder for 2027 third-round pick); and Miami Dolphins (2027 fourth and seventh rounders).
But are any of those moves that the Bears would actually consider making? ESPN’s Bears insider Courtney Cronin ultimately believes none of those deals would get done. Although, the Dolphins’ offer would be the best value if those were the options.
Barring a package that would include a position of need in return — such as a pass rusher — it doesn’t benefit the Bears’ offense to move Kmet before the 2026 season.
If I had to pick an offer, Walder’s offer from the Dolphins would give Chicago the best value. DraftKings Sportsbook set Miami’s over/under at 4.5 wins, meaning those fourth- and sixth-round picks could come higher in the draft order. That’s enticing, especially because Chicago is sitting out of the fifth round after trading its selection for Bradbury.
Kmet will be 29 by the time his contract expires in 2027. A trade, while unexpected, would allow the Bears to come away with something if they let him walk as a free agent.
While there’s been plenty of speculation regarding Kmet’s future, following the emergence of last year’s standout rookie Loveland, he’s been a significant contributor for this offense since his arrival in 2020. Factor that in with his importance in Ben Johnson’s offense, which relies heavily on 12 and 13 personnel, it’s hard to imagine Chicago parting ways with the veteran without a plan in place for his replacement. Now, if Roush proves his worth as a rookie, it could be a different story next offseason in the final year of Kmet’s current deal.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears TE Cole Kmet dealt in ESPN’s hypothetical trade proposals
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
