Bears Insider Sheds Light on Future of TE Cole Kmet: ‘Take That to the Bank’

Fans of the Chicago Bears are growing tired of hearing about the idea tight end Cole Kmet could be traded.

Since new head coach Ben Johnson and company drafted Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in April, numerous analysts have suggested the rookie TE’s addition could spell trouble for Kmet, who signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with Chicago in 2023.

In his June 27 mailbag column, Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network revealed that questions about the Bears potentially trading Kmet were becoming incredibly frequent. Noting the usage of 12 personnel (two tight ends) Bair stressed Kmet isn’t going anywhere — but he also seems certain the tight end’s numbers are going to take a sizable hit with Loveland now in the picture.

“It’s not that hard to use 12 personnel to one’s advantage in a Ben Johnson offense and Kmet has been assured that the Bears have a vision for how to use him in 2025,” Bair wrote, adding:

“They’ll have to, with tons of dead money and no cap savings associated with his trade or release.”

More on How Colston Loveland’s Presence Could Affect Cole Kmet

GettyHow will the addition of new Bears TE Colston Loveland affect Cole Kmet’s production?

Kmet, a second-round pick by the Bears in 2020 (43rd overall), quickly became a key contributor and a fan favorite.

As a rookie, he hauled in 28 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games, and he continued to grow every year. In 2021, he snagged 60 passes for 612 yards, and in 2022, he finished with 50 catches, 544 yards, and a career-high seven TDs.

In 2023, he amassed 73 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns, playing in all 17 games.

During the 2024 season, Kmet’s usage went down under former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who was fired just over halfway through the regular season. He finished with 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns.

Over five seasons, his career totals stand at 258 catches, 2,592 yards and 19 scores. A Lake Barrington, Illinois native, Kmet grew up rooting for the team. His grit, durability — he has yet to miss an NFL game in five seasons — and his own personal connection to the squad have made him a fan favorite.

“The Bears offense has tons of talent,” Bair added. “I truly believe Johnson will be able to capitalize on such a surplus, even if some individual stats go down. Kmet’s overall number will see a decline. Take that to the bank. But he will also be an important part of this offense, which is only right for a player who has meant so much to the organization for so long.”

Bears Getting a Beast in Loveland

Loveland comes to Chicago with a standout pedigree: in three seasons at Michigan, he had 117 receptions, 1,466 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 39 games. This included a junior season that saw him snag 56 passes for 582 yards and five TDs—setting Michigan’s single-season record for tight ends.

We previously discussed ESPN’s very low projections for Kmet this coming season (just 21 catches on 27 targets, 172 yards and only one touchdown). Loveland, however, is projected to have 54 catches for 592 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie.

Ben Johnson, who developed All-Pro TE Sam LaPorta in Detroit, will likely employ Loveland heavily in 11- and 12-personnel sets. With elite separation skills, size and speed, Loveland has all the tools to steal targets—and snaps—from Kmet.

Unless Kmet significantly elevates his impact in the passing game, there’s no denying the rookie could supplant him as the Bears’ top choice at tight end. Still, the veteran TE has, as Bair noted, given his all to the team in each of his five seasons. Kmet is sure to stick around in 2025, but beyond that, his future is murky.