The Chicago Bears drafted one of the best young tight ends in the NFL last year. Taking Colston Loveland with the tenth overall pick may have been questionable at the time, but it sure worked out to Chicago’s benefit. He ended his rookie campaign with 58 receptions for 712 yards and six touchdowns.
Loveland’s emergence was, indeed, a pleasant development for the Bears offense. However, it also made veteran tight end Cole Kmet expendable. With his role on offense decreased, and with the cap hit he carries into 2026, many expect Chicago to either release him or trade him.
And if he is on the trading the block, the New England Patriots are urged to call Chicago.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet could be a trade target of the New England Patriots
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While there is some buzz in Chicago that Kmet may will be retained via contract restructure, it has not been enough to quell the trade rumors. In a recent article posted by Mustket Fire, New England Patriots writer Sara Marshall states that the AFC Champions should explore trading for the Bears tight end:
“Because the Bears appear to have hit the jackpot when they selected Colston Loveland in last year’s draft, there’s a good chance that they’ll be willing to move Kmet this offseason.
“He’s exactly the kind of player the Patriots will likely be looking for, and although he doesn’t put up numbers like a Rob Gronkowski, he’s reliable, as he’s only missed two games in his six-year career, and he consistently performs at the level his team needs.
“If he’s given a more prominent role in an offense, like he would be in New England, we could see his best season yet, and as of right now, that was in 2023 when he logged over 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns.”
Kmet has seen his production in Chicago decrease over the last two seasons due to a variety of reasons. In 2024, he had 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and last year he had 347 yards and two touchdowns.
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