With the Chicago Bears preparing for training camp later this month, the latest NFL rumors project the team may move on from veteran tight end Cole Kmet. After selecting Sam Roush in the NFL Draft, it shouldn’t be surprising to see the pass-catcher in another uniform come Week 1. While execs, coaches and scouts, including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, voted on the top tight ends, one believes he should be more utilized. It’s easy to see why this is the case this upcoming season. Between Roush and Colston Loveland, the Bears may be persuaded to pursue a trade.
“He’s still a quality player who’s friendly for a young quarterback, good in the run game,” a personnel executive with an NFL team told Fowler. “They need to find ways to get Kmet and Loveland on the field together.”
Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product was promised that Loveland would be a complement to him. However, it’s been looking like Loveland would eventually become the permanent starter. With Roush in the fold, could there be pressure on the veteran this upcoming season?
NFL Rumors: Bears Expected to Trade $50M Star in Massive Proposal
Too Early to Panic?
No, after training camp, there’s a chance the Bears could listen to offers. While he’s under contract until 2027, he’s still one of the better tight ends in the league and could be a starter anywhere he goes. Also, Chicago is getting younger for seasons to come. After trading DJ Moore earlier this offseason, the team is betting on Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
Why would it be any different for the Bears tight end group? Kmet is expected to garner plenty of interest, so the team should use it to their advantage. Here are three teams willing to whip up a deal now.
Top Trade Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
This would be an easy trade for the Kansas City Chiefs. After Travis Kelce married pop star Taylor Swift, the veteran is likely heading into the sunset in 2027. Between Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, this offense is in an odd place. Rice hasn’t stayed out of trouble and the Chiefs are wary of extending him while Worthy is finally showing signs of life. Thornton is solid, but only in situational moments throughout the season.
Kansas City is lacking a consistent playmaker in the aerial attack. With QB Patrick Mahomes returning from a season-ending injury, they must do everything to put him in the best position. The team trading for Kmet would be the best decision to help strengthen the pass-game.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are close to having a complete pass-attack. After taking WR Chris Brazzell via this year’s draft, the team re-signed Jalen Coker, who’s shown he’s a reliable slot receiver. 2025 draft selection Tetairoa McMillan is set to have a breakout year this upcoming campaign. The Panthers have three pass-catchers capable of being the new trio of this offense.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about its tight end group. Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders have been a complete disappointment. Kmet joining Carolina would immediately put this offense on an MVP level
Minnesota Vikings
While most of the drama in Minnesota has circulated between Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy, they have a problem in the aerial attack. They signed WR Jauan Jennings to a friendly one-year contract after losing Jalen Nailor, but the tight end group could use some help. TJ Hockenson is a highly talented tight end, but his production has dipped after suffering multiple injuries. Hockenson agreed to rework his contract and is set to become a free agent in 2027.
If he doesn’t return, Kmet is considered a favorite for McCarthy/Murray.
