Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears shocked the world with the selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, and the move could push Cole Kmet out the door. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Kmet became a reliable part of Chicago’s passing attack under then-quarterback Justin Fields and head coach Matt Eberflus. Impressing the previous regime, Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023.
While he’s still a good player, he may not have a home in Johnson’s offense. You don’t use a top-10 selection on a player if you don’t think they can immediately contribute, and Chicago will struggle to find ample targets for both tight ends and wide receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. Nobody will confuse Cole Kmet with Brock Bowers, but the veteran is an above-average tight end who should draw trade interest after the Bears selected Colston Loveland. Seeing as Chicago can also clear $6.8 million with a trade, don’t be surprised if he finds a new home with the following teams in the coming days.
Note: As of this posting, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is still on the board. If one of the following teams drafts him, they will not be interested in Cole Kmet.
5 Teams That Could Trade For Cole Kmet Following The Colston Loveland Selection
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts need a tight end in the worst way. While the organization could turn its sights towards Tyler Warren, it might prefer a more proven option. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are facing off in what might be the league’s most underwhelming quarterback battle, which means the Colts must find playmakers who can make life easier for whoever starts. Cole Kmet can make an immediate impact for this team, and Indianapolis should be willing to part with a mid- to late-round pick to fix one of their biggest weaknesses.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are ahead of schedule in their quest for a Super Bowl. After making the playoffs with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, Sean Payton’s squad must maximize the window presented by having a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Tight end is one of the few weaknesses remaining on this roster, and a security blanket like Kmet should complement Nix’s strengths. Seeing as they play in what might be the NFL’s hardest division, Denver must acquire as much win-now talent as they possibly can.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh is an old-school coach who wants to win games in the trenches, but he must do something to improve Justin Herbert’s life. While second-round pick Ladd McConkey is a good player, he’s the only reliable set of hands on the offense. Cole Kmet would easily be the best tight end on this roster, and the Colston Loveland selection means the Bears should be willing to strike a deal with an AFC contender.
New York Jets
Cole Kmet and Justin Fields established a rapport during their time in Chicago, and they could reunite following the Colston Loveland selection. New York has a promising offense, as Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard are solid receivers, and first-round pick Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu could be an elite tackle duo. What this team lacks, however, is a proper tight end. The organization has the longest active playoff drought in the NFL, and Kmet’s presence could bring an end to that unfortunate streak.
Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but he isn’t getting any younger. The future Hall of Famer looked like a shell of his former self last year, and he probably won’t improve with age. Cole Kmet does not have the potential to be as good as Travis Kelce, but he’s an above-average starter who could fill an immediate need for a Chiefs offense with questionable pass-catching talent.
Main Photo: Audrey Richardson – Imagn Images
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