The Chicago Bears definitely have some work to do heading into the offseason when it comes to their financial situation, as they are currently $4.1 million over the salary cap with free agency looming in about three weeks.
Of course, there are ways to clear cap space. Restructuring contracts is one method, but another avenue involves cutting or trading players.
For the Bears, one of their most obvious trade candidates is tight end Cole Kmet, who began falling out of favor once Caleb Williams took the reins at quarterback in 2024. His role was then reduced even further this past season following Chicago’s decision to draft Colston Loveland.
Yes, two tight-end sets definitely work, but the Bears may wish to dump Loveland now in order to save $8.5 million (as long as they trade him before March 15).
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has pitched an idea for Chicago in that regard, linking the Bears to a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Chicago Bears could trade Cole Kmet this offseason
Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
More specifically, Knox has proposed that the Bears should trade Kmet to the Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
“Chicago faces a projected cap deficit of $10.7 million and could save $8.4 million in cap space by trading Kmet before March 15,” Knox wrote. “While Kmet’s role might not justify his price point to the Bears, the 26-year-old should interest plenty of other tight-end-needy teams.”
Moving Kmet for a Day 3 pick may seem like a rather skimpy price, but he caught just 30 passes for 347 yards and a couple of touchdowns in 2025 and still has two years remaining on the four-year, $50 million extension he signed with Chicago in July 2023.
Kmet was originally selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and began establishing himself as a critical weapon as soon as his second season, snaring 60 balls for 612 yards. His best season came in 2023, when he hauled in 73 receptions for 719 yards and six scores.
The Notre Dame alum’s production has plummeted since then, and with Loveland now clearly the No. 1 tight end in the Windy City, a split might be best for all parties involved.
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