Bears’ Cole Kmet says the quiet part out loud when asked about trade possibilities involving himself and other highly-paid players
He’s aware of the realities that could happen this offseason.
While the NFL still has one more game remaining between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots later this weekend in Super Bowl LX, the other 30 teams are full steam ahead into the offseason with big moves to make in the coming weeks.
Teams such as the Chicago Bears have some tough decisions to make first regarding high-priced players currently on the books in 2026 to decide whether or not they fit the team’s vision for next season.
One of those players for Chicago is veteran tight end Cole Kmet, the team’s longest-tenured offensive player, and he’s aware of the potential realities that could happen over the next few weeks.
Cole Kmet is aware of trade possibilities involving himself and other teammates
“It’s definitely very real,” Kmet said, via 104.3 The Score. “I know it’s real because I’ve seen it happen before. That’s just the nature of the business in this league. Maybe you say serious or scared, I would say my first two years in the league it kinda catches you off-guard of just how ruthless this business can be. But, I think that this point in this stage of my career, you’re kind of accepting of it and understanding this is just part of the deal.”
I call it the unfortunate reality. It’s a numbers game and sometimes contracts age poorly based on future production, which eventually leads to these kind of decisions. And Kmet’s not alone in this situation that the Bears need to handle this offseason.
“Especially a guy like myself or you’re talking about DJ [Moore], or other guys who have played a little bit on a second deal. Unfortunately, as you age, you get more expensive and you may not fit into that piece of the puzzle,” Kmet added. “That’s just the nature of the business. However it works out, it works out.”
As it stands, Kmet and Moore seem like the obvious trade candidates for the Bears to offload some serious money to further improve the roster. Trading Kmet frees up $8.4 million with $3.2 million in dead cap. Trading Moore frees up $16.5 million with $12 million in dead cap.
Both players played in diminished roles this past season in the first year under head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme. By the end of the season, Kmet was getting out-played in the passing game by first-round rookie tight end Colston Loveland and Moore had arguably the worst statistical season of his career.
Chicago Bears Receiving Stats (2025-26 Season)
- DJ Moore: 85 targets, 50 receptions, 682 yards, six touchdowns
- Rome Odunze: 90 targets, 44 receptions, 661 yards, six touchdowns
- Colston Loveland: 82 targets, 58 receptions, 713 yards, six touchdowns
- Luther Burden III: 60 targets, 47 receptions, 652 yards, two touchdowns
- Cole Kmet: 48 targets, 30 receptions, 347 yards, two touchdowns
But, that’s only looking at the statistical numbers. Both veterans played more of a role than that, especially Kmet who was an impactful blocker in the run game along with his work as a pass catcher.
“For me personally, I felt like I did a lot of good things this year in the role that I was in,” Kmet explained. “I had a lot of fun playing with this team.”
You can see how it’s going to be a tough decision to make with all of these potential high-priced players, but that’s the cost of doing business and aiming to build a successful team long-term. Personally, I think Kmet is probably safe but the same can’t be said for Moore and others.
Chicago Bears News
Five free agents the Bears absolutely have to prioritize re-signing that align with Chicago’s vision and salary cap situation
The Chicago Bears have some tough decisions to make soon, starting with which players to bring back in 2026.
