Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet’s future now in doubt

Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet’s future now in doubt

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 12:02 AM ET

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The Chicago Bears made a surprise pick in 2025, taking Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick in the draft.

The Bears had other needs like pass-rusher, which has yet to be addressed by general manager Ryan Poles through the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, and already had veteran Cole Kmet on the roster.

The move worked out for the Bears. Loveland led the team in receiving with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.

Kmet’s production regressed. He finished with 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

On Friday, the Bears made another stunning move at tight end, selecting tight end Sam Roush out of Stanford with the No. 69 pick.

Another weapon on offense

Welcome to the Windy City, Sam! pic.twitter.com/fyNKluJScL

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2026

Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet on notice

Unless head coach Ben Johnson plans to employ a ton of 13 personnel, it appears like the Bears are planning to move on from Kmet in the near future.

With Roush on the Bears’ draft board, Poles made a curious move with Kmet’s salary on Thursday. Per Over the Cap, Chicago restructured the tight end’s contract, converting $7.65 million of his salary to a bonus, thus reducing his cap number by $3.825 million.

Kmet’s cap number for 2027 is now set to be $15.425 million, the final year he’ll be under contract for Chicago.

It remains to be seen if the Bears will keep Kmet through the 2027 season or trade the tight end before his contract is set to expire.

Loveland appears to be the tight end of the future, giving the Bears a mismatch in the middle of the field. Roush promises to be a more traditional tight end who can be a better help as a blocker in addition to receiving duties.

Johnson is a fan of 12 personnel, something he used to great success when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. With Roush, the Bears appear poised to keep that package humming for seasons to come.

However, Kmet’s time in Chicago is soon coming to an end, whether that be sometime before the end of the trade deadline this season or in 2027.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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