NFL Trade Buzz: Cole Kmet's Future with Bears in Question Amid 49ers Interest
In February, reports surfaced that Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet expressed a desire for change to his agency, believing he could excel as a TE1 on a less crowded roster. At that time, the Bears' tight end group included rookie Colston Loveland, drafted as the No. 10 overall pick in 2025, along with Durham Smythe, Stephen Carlson, and Nikola Kalinic. However, the landscape has shifted significantly since then.
Roster Changes and Trade Speculation
Smythe has since joined the Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, where he might compete with Mark Andrews for the top tight end spot. Meanwhile, Carlson and Kalinic remain with the Bears but were signed to Reserve/Future Contracts in January 2026, adding to the competition. The emergence of rookie Loveland, who took over the TE1 role, has made the situation appear crowded for Kmet, sparking trade rumors across the internet.
Speculation suggests the San Francisco 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, could be a trade option for Kmet, potentially offering a fourth-round pick. This interest stems from the need for a reliable backup as star tight end George Kittle recovers from a season-ending Achilles tear suffered in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 season against the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2026.
Kittle's Recovery and 49ers' Needs
Kittle's recovery timeline typically spans 9 to 12 months, potentially delaying his return until midseason 2026, though he has expressed optimism about returning "well before November." In a March 2026 podcast appearance, he noted rehab was progressing well, with plans to be off crutches by approximately April 2026. This uncertainty has led the 49ers to consider acquiring a steady tight end like Kmet as a temporary solution.
According to Heavy Sports' Max Dible, the Bears could use one of their three compensatory picks to trade Kmet to the 49ers for a fourth-round pick, No. 133, providing San Francisco with a one-year stopgap. Kmet's experience and performance make him an attractive candidate for teams in need of a pass-catching tight end.
Financial Implications for the Bears
The Bears currently have only $1 million in cap space, necessitating moves to free up room for signing draft picks. Trading Kmet post-June 1 could save nearly $10 million in cap space over the next two seasons. Alternatively, restructuring his contract is an option, as releasing him after June 1 would save $9 million, while a pre-June 1 release would clear around $7.4 million.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox identifies Kmet as a notable cut candidate following early free agency, suggesting trade or restructuring over release. The Bears have invested heavily in their defense, adding players like Neville Gallimore and Devin Bush, which has strained their cap situation. With Loveland established as the new TE1 after a standout rookie season—recording a team-high 713 receiving yards compared to Kmet's 347 yards and two touchdowns—the veteran's role has diminished.
Kmet's Career and Contract Details
At 27 years old, Kmet is two years into a four-year, $50 million contract extension. According to Spotrac, he is scheduled to earn an $8.9 million base salary, a $1 million roster bonus, and a $100,000 workout bonus in 2026, with a cap hit of $11.6 million and a dead cap value of $4.2 million. Over six seasons, he has accumulated 288 passes for 2,939 yards and 21 touchdowns, with total career earnings exceeding $39 million.
Knox emphasizes that Kmet remains an ideal fit for teams seeking a proven pass-catching tight end, but whether a trade materializes remains uncertain. The Bears may explore draft options for depth behind Loveland, influencing their decision on Kmet's future.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes are on potential moves involving Cole Kmet, with the 49ers emerging as a key player in the trade discussions.
