Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has been the obvious choice for the team to consider trading this offseason.
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With the Bears needing to clear cap nearly $10 million in cap space, Moore’s $28.5 million cap hit for 2026 looks hard to swallow on a roster that includes Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet.
However, Moore played a key role in getting the Bears to the Divisional Round. He scored game-winning touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in the regular season and in the wild-card round.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report has another option for the Bears if they need to shed a pass catcher this offseason. He thinks Kmet would be a target for the Carolina Panthers.
“While Kmet saw a greatly reduced role during Loveland’s rookie campaign, he has three 500-yard campaigns on his resume and will turn just 27 in March,” Knox wrote. “He can be a solid long-term starter for a team in need of a pass-catching tight end.
“The Carolina Panthers should be interested in adding a tight end of Kmet’s caliber. Carolina won the NFC South and appears poised to take another positive step. However, it could use a more dynamic tight end to aid quarterback Bryce Young.
“Tommy Tremble led Panthers tight ends with just 249 receiving yards this past season.”
Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet is an asset
Cole Kmet at Chicago Bears training camp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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It’s worth noting that Kmet doesn’t detract from Loveland’s skills as a tight end. Kmet is more of a traditional tight end, while Loveland is more of a receiving tight end.
Kmet would still be a huge loss if the Bears traded him this offseason.
Kmet, 26, was a second-round pick by Chicago in 2020. He finished 2025 with 30 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
Keeping Kmet on the field with Loveland allowed the rookie to put up big numbers. He led the Bears in receiving with 713 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie.
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