Following a dissapointing end to a fantastic season for the Chicago Bears, changes and improvements are sure to follow, with free agency right around the corner.
After a strong sixth season with the Bears, could head coach Ben Johnson and the Bears’ front office be prepared to release this $50 million playmaker before free agency?
Ben Johnson’s Chicago Bears Predicted To Cut Ties With TE Cole Kmet
As the NFL’s free agency period inches closer to officially opening on March 11, teams have to begin making some tough decisions to help manage the cap crunch that just about every team faces in the offseason.
For the Bears, one of their toughest decisions will be about a respected player-maker in the locker room. Following the excellent rookie season from tight end Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and his $50 million contract have become increasingly hard to justify keeping on the payroll.
After being drafted with the tenth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Michigan, it was clear that Kmet’s time as a starter was nearing its end. After starting slow, Loveland completed a strong rookie season in which he tallied 58 receptions for 713 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the course of the regular season.
Loveland accumulated a TE Impact score of 83.1 (B) in his rookie season, sixth best in the NFL among tight ends according to PFGSN’s metrics.
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Loveland’s play made it clear that he would be one of quarterback Caleb Williams’ top playmakers for years to come. In doing so, Kmet and his pricy contract became expendable.
For Kmet, his 2025 season was not nearly as productive. In his sixth season, and first under coach Johnson, Kmet collected 30 receptions and 347 receiving yards, both the lowest numbers since his rookie season in 2020.
Kmet collected a TE Impact score of 73.3 (C), placing him 36th among tight ends according to PFSN’s metrics. It was clear Johnson preferred the rookie as TE1 as the season progressed.
Fox Sports lists Kmet as a potential cut candidate because his role has been reduced, and getting his contract off the books would help the Bears make a couple of moves in free agency if general manager Ryan Poles wishes to do so.
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Kmet signed a four-year $50,000,000 contract in the summer of 2023 following the expiration of his rookie deal.
Kmet is now set to make $10 million this coming season, which is not expensive enough to rule out a trade for a late-round pick as the offseason rolls along.
However, if the Bears cannot find a trade partner to take on Kmet and his contract, all signs point to a release.
The 2026 season could be the first chapter in a new story for Kmet, who has never played for another team since being drafted in the second round by the Bears in 2020. Kmet has been the Bears’ safety net for years, but his contract has priced him out of value as a backup tight end for the Bears.
Could Kmet and the Bears be preparing to head their separate ways after six seasons? With Loveland emerging as one of the league’s premier young playmakers, all signs are currently pointing to yes. However, only time will tell, as another crazy offseason in the NFL begins to ramp up.
