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The Chicago Bears\u2019 decision to draft Colston Loveland in the top 10 last year significantly changed the outlook for veteran tight end Cole Kmet.<\/p>\n
Loveland emerged as a primary receiving option for the Bears in 2025, leading the team with 712 yards. Meanwhile, Kmet saw his role diminish, finishing with 347 yards, which was his lowest output since his rookie season in 2020.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Kmet has been identified by multiple outlets as a trade or cut candidate, including Fox Sports\u2019 Ralph Vacchiano on Wednesday.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n He urged Chicago to explore trading Kmet to Carolina. The proposed deal would send him to the Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 conditional sixth-round pick.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor<\/a> for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cKmet showed what he was capable of in 2023 when he caught 73 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns, but the emergence of Colston Loveland<\/a> has made him an afterthought in Chicago,\u201d Vacchiano wrote. \u201cWith two years and $20 million left on his contract, the Bears could be enticed to move on now.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n While Kmet may not match the upside of Loveland, his well-rounded skill set remains valuable. His ability as a pass catcher and an in-line blocker makes him a reliable, scheme-friendly tight end, which could draw interest from teams seeking balance at the position.<\/p>\n A move would also benefit the Bears financially. With minimal cap flexibility, a post-June 1 trade would generate roughly $9 million in savings, making it a practical option as the team reshapes its roster.<\/p>\n The Carolina Panthers already made strong efforts to surround Bryce Young with talent at the skill positions, according to Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano. However, the team lacks a dependable tight end, and Cole Kmet<\/a> could be the solution.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a make-or-break year for quarterback Bryce Young, and the Panthers have done a good job of surrounding him with receivers and running backs,\u201d Vacchiano wrote. \u201cBut they don\u2019t have a reliable target at tight end — often the best friend of an emerging quarterback.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n While there are questions around Young, he has taken steps forward in the last two years, and Carolina seems prepared to build around him.<\/p>\n Tight end is widely viewed as the biggest remaining need for the Panthers’ offense. The team could address the position in the draft; however, the opportunity to acquire an experienced player like Kmet may be difficult to pass.<\/p>\n With 2,939 career receiving yards and six seasons of NFL experience, Kmet brings a level of reliability that rookie prospects lack. At 27, he is still in his prime and could serve as a long-term solution for Carolina.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
How trading for Cole Kmet could make sense for the Panthers<\/h2>\n