The Jacksonville Jaguars know they’re running out of time. After watching Trevor Lawrence struggle through a four-win disaster in 2024-25, they can’t afford to waste another year of his $275 million contract. The question isn’t whether they need help – it’s whether they’re bold enough to go get it.
How Could Cole Kmet Transform the Jaguars’ Passing Attack?
In a recent column projecting potential trades ahead of the start of the impending 2025 NFL season, the Jaguars were listed as an ideal landing spot for Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who already has a key tie to a member of the current coaching staff.
“However, the Jaguars would be wise to inquire about Kmet. They have a budding tight end in Brenton Strange, but they also lost Evan Engram in free agency,” wrote author Kristopher Knox. “The Jags should be looking to put as much talent around Trevor Lawrence as they can this season, and they do have some coaching ties to Chicago. Former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now serves as Jacksonville’s passing game coordinator.”
The connection makes perfect sense. Waldron already knows what Kmet brings to the table, having worked with the tight end during his time in Chicago. That familiarity could fast-track Kmet’s integration into Jacksonville’s system, something crucial for a team that can’t afford a slow start.
Kmet, who was a second-round selection by the Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft, experienced a significant regression in his 2024-25 statistics compared to his much stronger campaign in 2023-24. In 2023-24, Kmet racked up 719 yards by hauling in 73 receptions along with six touchdowns. Those numbers dropped considerably last season, as he was limited to just 474 yards on 47 receptions with four touchdowns.
So far in his NFL career, Kmet has racked up 2,592 yards on 258 receptions along with 19 touchdowns.
Why Would the Bears Trade Away Their Starting Tight End?
Chicago finds itself in an interesting position with Kmet. The veteran tight end could become expendable after the selection of Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft. That high draft investment signals the Bears’ long-term plans at the position, potentially making Kmet available for the right price.
The financial aspect adds another layer to potential trade discussions. Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension in July 2023, and counts $12.5 million against Chicago’s salary cap. That’s considerable space that could be freed up with a trade, money the Bears could redirect toward other needs as they continue building around quarterback Caleb Williams.
For Jacksonville, acquiring Kmet would address a clear need while adding a proven commodity to Lawrence’s supporting cast. The tight end position became a concern after losing Engram in free agency, leaving the Jaguars with questions about their depth chart heading into 2025-26.
What Does This Mean for Jacksonville’s Season Outlook?
The Jaguars are scheduled to open the exhibition portion of their schedule on Saturday with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will be followed up by games against the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins before the regular season begins on September 7 against the visiting Carolina Panthers.
Adding Kmet before those preseason games would give the coaching staff valuable time to integrate him into their offensive schemes. The familiarity factor with Waldron could accelerate that process, potentially making Kmet ready for meaningful snaps when the regular season kicks off.
The Jaguars haven’t reached the postseason since the 2023 NFL season, and with Lawrence locked up long-term, the pressure to compete now has never been higher. They can’t afford another rebuilding year, not with their franchise quarterback entering his prime and counting heavily against their salary cap.
