There have been two players on the Chicago Bears who have been very popular names for guys who could get traded in the offseason: DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.
Despite catching an amazing game-tying touchdown to force overtime in the NFC Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams, it was a down season for Kmet, as he had his worst statistical year since his rookie season in 2020, catching 30 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with the trade rumors being intensified this offseason, Kmet addressed the question head-on when he appeared on 104.3 The Score. Kmet was honest that even though he would love to play for the Bears in 2026, he understands how the NFL works.
"Well, it's definitely very real. I know it's real because I've seen it happen before. That's just the nature of the business in this league. Maybe, you know, you say nervous or scared, I would say like my first two years in the league it kind of catches you off guard of just how ruthless this business can be, but I think at this stage of my career, you're kind of accepting of it and understanding that this is just part of the deal and especially a guy like myself or you know you're talking about DJ or other guys who have played a little bit and you're on a second deal, you know, unfortunately, as you age you get more expensive and you may not fit in that piece of the puzzle that I was talking about and that's just the nature of the business."
Cole Kmet understands that a trade could happen this offseason
The problem with what is making Kmet expendable is twofold. One, Kmet is in the middle of an expensive $50 million contract he signed after 2023 that can't really be justified, given that he's essentially a backup.
Second, rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland exceeded expectations in Year 1 as he led the Bears in receiving yards and tied for touchdowns. Loveland became the number one target in the Bears' offense and has quite the future ahead of him.
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The Bears would love to have Kmet back, but they need to make room in their budget to bring in other players, so there is a strong chance he could be traded. If he doesn't, Chicago will have one of the strongest tight end rooms in the league.