Why Cole Kmet Trade Doesn't Make Sense for Bears

The Chicago Bears look like a brand-new team under head coach Ben Johnson.

The Bears made the playoffs and won the NFC North and were the No. 2 seed in the conference. Unfortunately, their stellar season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the Divisional Round, but the future is very bright in the Windy City.

Caleb Williams looked like the No. 1 pick that he was, and the Bears' defense was impressive as things changed drastically in 2025.

This offseason, tight end Cole Kmet has been one player floated in trade rumblings, but the best bet is that Kmet stays in Chicago.

Courtney Cronin, the Bears reporter for ESPN, revealed that the team seems intent on keeping Kmet.

"The Bears have made no indication of wanting to move Kmet, who was their top producing tight end from 2021 to 2024," Cronin wrote.

Cronin also said it doesn't make sense for Kmet to be traded right now.

"Barring a package that would include a position of need in return -- such as a pass rusher -- it doesn't benefit the Bears' offense to move Kmet before the 2026 season," Cronin added.

Bears Love Kmet Even After Drafting a Tight End

The Kmet rumblings picked up when the Bears selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

However, it still seems that Kmet will be around in 2026, and GM Ryan Poles had some telling comments in April.

"Cole's locked in. Even contract-wise, he's locked in," Poles said in April. "It's not just whatever spot he is on the tight end depth chart, but his leadership and what he means to this team is -- we view him highly."

Kmet had just 30 receptions for 347 yards and two scores in 2025, the lowest numbers since his rookie year, but he was still a key part of the offense.

How that changes with Rough remains to be seen, but as of now, the Bears appear ready to hold on to Kmet.

Related: The Chicago Bears' 5 Worst Draft Picks in the Last 10 Years

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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:56 AM.