The offseason continues with another day, and another Chicago Bears trade rumor makes its rounds across the greater NFL media.
But this one isn't new. Cole Kmet has been listed on yet another trade rumor's list of potential players that their current team could offload. This could be a move in response to cap space, contract gymnastics, or roster capacity. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox has Kmet second on his trade block big board with the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins as potential suitors.
"The Chicago Bears will be looking to build off a promising 2025 campaign that included an NFC North title and a trip to the divisional round. However, they're facing a projected cap deficit of $10.7 million and will need to clear space before reloading. Moving tight end Cole Kmet before March 15 would save $8.4 million in cap space. He may be viewed as expendable, too, as Chicago has a new star tight end in Colston Loveland. Kmet isn't likely to bring a sizeable return, in part because tight ends like Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert, Isaiah Likely, and David Njoku are slated to hit free agency. However, he will interest teams in need of a pass-catching tight end. The 26-year-old (27 in March) saw a reduced role with Loveland on the roster this year, but he has topped 500 receiving yards in three of his six seasons."
Cole Kmet is one of the top names to be traded in 2026 offseason
It's no secret across the NFL that Kmet is potentially on the hot seat. Most signs point to it, and it doesn't take an NFL contract analyst to see what everyone else sees. Kmet is under contract with the Bears through the 2027 season, but with star rookie Colston Loveland taking up a massive amount of space in the tight end's room, it's easy to see why he's potentially viewed as expendable.
In addition to Kmet's individual contract, the team is slated to operate above the salary cap for the 2026 offseason. Offloading Kmet prior to March 15 will save the Bears almost $8.5 million. Plenty of teams would happily add the 26-year-old veteran to their roster, but it's possible he may be a difficult sell.
Star tight ends such as Goedert, Likely, and Njoku are on the brink of free agency, and there's even more. This offseason is going to be a tight-end-heavy market, and Kmet would appeal to a team that doesn't have as deep pockets as some others.
Many Bears fans oppose letting Kmet play elsewhere. Loveland was excellent for the Bears this season, but that doesn't necessarily mean all seasons will go as well. Being a Chicago sports fan means understanding the dark times; it means understanding hurt and hardship. Success can be fleeting, especially when it's been over forty years since the Bears hoisted the Lombardi trophy.
The reality is simple. The Bears are trying to build upon the successes of 2025 to create a brighter future and a stronger foundation. If Kmet makes it into the 2026 season in Bears colors, it's because he fits the mold for the future.
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If he's moved, it's because the front office believes cashing in on his value now means more to this franchise than Kmet's current contributions. It becomes less about Kmet and more about the Bears' future.