Following the conclusion of the Chicago Bears' post-draft rookie minicamp, there were some positive early impressions of third-round tight end Sam Roush.
What those in attendance noticed was the fact that Roush looked the part. He looked like he belonged. But, what does this mean going forward?
Noted Bears voices Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns went on the air to discuss Roush's first impressions as a pro and, needless to say, Bears fans should be thrilled.
"He looks like he belongs. He looks like an NFL-caliber tight end, already," Jahns said.
Beyond Roush looking like an NFL-caliber tight end, though, was what Hoge would go on to say, and this might raise some eyebrows.
"What I wrote down in my notes, he is a clone of Cole Kmet when Cole was a rookie," said Hoge.
So, this is a very good thing.
Sam Roush's early impressions will mean the Chicago Bears inevitably part ways with Cole Kmet
When the Bears drafted Colston Loveland last year, many fans jumped to an early conclusion that this meant Kmet was put on notice. Many believed the Bears would trade Kmet soon after the draft, but it didn't happen.
Instead, the Bears, along with several other teams, started going tight end-heavy in a lot of their sets. Furthermore, three tight ends started becoming a trend in 2025, which now makes it no real surprise that the Bears selected Roush in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Even though Chicago didn't part with Kmet last year and probably won't this year, that doesn't mean the writing isn't on the wall. The Bears had a plan in drafting Roush. Ben Johnson knows the NFL is leaning more into multi-tight end sets. For now, Roush sits behind the two established ahead of him.
What comes next is either a Kmet trade during the 2027 offseason, which makes the most sense and would also bring the Bears something in return, or the two sides mutually parting ways.
If the Bears were to release Kmet next year, they'd save $10 million against the salary cap. Teams could see this coming, too, which might make them less likely to strike up a deal with Ryan Poles.
All of this is only part of the picture, though. If Roush looks a lot like Kmet, it shouldn't surprise us when he ultimately takes Kmet's spot. From there, the Bears need to go out and find yet another tight end to give them the luxury of having a strong, versatile three-tight end set when they so choose.
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For right now, the luxury is intact. The 2026 season should see Chicago carry and use all three of Loveland, Kmet, and Roush. But, come the 2027 offseason, there is zero doubt in my mind that the Bears will be moving on from Kmet in favor of a younger and cheaper option.
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