Cole Kmet, one of the NFL’s most reliable tight ends in recent years, faces an uncertain future with the Chicago Bears. The tight end, who signed a four-year, $50 million extension with the team in July 2023, may now be on the move as the Bears look to reshape their roster. Kmet, 26, has been a consistent performer, but the arrival of a new first-round draft pick and a changing team vision could spell the end of his time in Chicago.
Chicago Bears Signal Shift at Tight End, Cole Kmet’s Future in Doubt
The most telling sign of Kmet’s potential departure came during the 2025 NFL Draft, when Chicago selected Colston Loveland, a dynamic tight end, with their first-round pick. New head coach Ben Johnson appears eager to develop Loveland’s skills, signaling a possible shift away from Kmet as a long-term piece. The move puts Kmet in a tough spot, especially considering his contract and the team’s direction.
Kmet’s significant salary hit of $11.6 million over the next three seasons has made him a candidate for a trade, according to Bleacher Report. Trading him could save the Bears $10 million in cap space, though it would also incur $1.6 million in dead money. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers have both been listed as possible destinations for Kmet, should the Bears decide to move on.
While Kmet may not be a star, he has proven to be a reliable option over his five seasons in the league. He has accumulated more than 2,592 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during that span. For teams like the Chargers, who are looking for dependable weapons after offseason changes at wide receiver, Kmet could be an immediate upgrade over current veterans Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin.
Cole Kmet said he was “taken back a little bit,” when the Bears took Loveland at No. 10. pic.twitter.com/w1PVUI7LYk
— Dave (@dave_bfr) June 3, 2025
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote, “The Chargers should consider Kmet as they look to improve Justin Herbert’s receiving corps. He’s a more dynamic pass-catcher than either Tyler Conklin or Will Dissly and far more proven than rookie fifth-round pick Oronde Gadsden II.”
Kmet’s combination of size, hands, and experience would make him a steady target for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Meanwhile, the Chiefs could also be a good fit. Kansas City’s star tight end, Travis Kelce, continues to produce at a high level, but he turns 36 in October. The Chiefs may soon need to consider life after Kelce, and Kmet could be a logical successor.
“The Kansas City Chiefs should also consider taking a flier on Kmet if he’s available,” Knox added. “Travis Kelce is still holding down the starting job, but he’ll turn 36 in October. The Chiefs could view Kmet as a potential successor to Kelce and a valuable complementary option behind Kelce, alongside Noah Gray. It’s worth noting Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy coached Kmet for two seasons in Chicago.”
That personal connection between Kmet and Nagy could help smooth the transition. A reunion in Kansas City might be a natural fit if Chicago decides to move on.
Last season, Kmet posted respectable numbers with 47 receptions, 474 yards, and four touchdowns. While those stats are not eye-popping, they are solid for a tight end in a league where reliable pass-catchers are valued. With Loveland now in the mix and the Bears eager to change their image under Johnson, it is easy to see why Kmet might be looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
Sometimes, a player simply needs a new beginning. For Kmet, that could mean catching passes from Herbert in Los Angeles or from Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. Either way, both the Chiefs and Chargers could end up with a sneaky-good addition to their offenses.
Does anybody remember Greg Olsen How did that work out. LOL