Bears Consider Cutting Cole Kmet to Free Up $9M in Salary Cap Space

The Chicago Bears face a difficult decision regarding veteran tight end Cole Kmet, who has emerged as a potential salary cap casualty as the franchise seeks additional financial flexibility for future roster moves.

Analyst Kristopher Knox has identified Kmet as a prime cut candidate, noting that the Bears could save approximately $9 million by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation. This move would leave Chicago with just $1 million in dead money while freeing up $10 million in cap space.

The financial pressure stems from Chicago's need to create additional room for potential signings, particularly as they evaluate their roster construction around emerging young talent. With tight end Colston Loveland showing significant promise during the second half of the 2025 season, the Bears may feel comfortable moving forward without Kmet's veteran presence.

"If the Bears can't work out a restructure or find a trade partner for Kmet, they can save $9 million by releasing him after June 1," Knox explained. "If Chicago can add some depth behind Loveland over draft weekend, releasing Kmet would make a good amount of financial sense."

Kmet's situation reflects the harsh realities of NFL salary cap management, where productive veterans can become expendable due to financial constraints rather than performance issues. The 25-year-old tight end has demonstrated solid capabilities as both a receiver and blocker throughout his career.

While Kmet's receiving numbers have fluctuated in recent seasons, he previously established himself as a reliable target with two campaigns exceeding 600 receiving yards. His pass-catching ability remains his primary strength, though he provides adequate blocking support in Chicago's offensive scheme.

Should Kmet become available through either release or trade, several teams could emerge as logical landing spots based on their current depth chart needs and offensive philosophies.

The New England Patriots represent perhaps the most obvious fit, having lost Austin Hooper during free agency. The Patriots currently lack veteran depth behind Hunter Henry at the tight end position, creating an immediate need that Kmet could fill.

New England's offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has historically favored two-tight-end sets, making Kmet an attractive option for their system. Additionally, the Patriots continue seeking more receiving options to support young quarterback Drake Maye's development.

The Baltimore Ravens face similar circumstances after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, leaving Mark Andrews as their only proven tight end option. Given the Ravens' traditionally tight end-heavy offensive approach, adding a veteran like Kmet would address a significant depth concern.

Cleveland Browns also enter the conversation following David Njoku's announcement that he won't return to the franchise. While the Browns have promising young talent in Harold Fannin Jr., they could benefit from Kmet's veteran experience and proven production at the NFL level.

Each potential destination offers Kmet different advantages. New England provides an established offensive system that maximizes tight end contributions, while Baltimore offers the chance to play alongside one of the position's premier talents in Andrews.

Cleveland presents an opportunity for increased target share and a potentially expanded role, given their current lack of established veterans at the position.

For the Bears, the decision ultimately hinges on their confidence in Loveland's development and their ability to address other roster needs with the freed-up cap space. If they believe Loveland can handle an expanded workload while contributing meaningfully to their offensive system, releasing Kmet becomes more palatable.

The timing of any potential move matters significantly, as a post-June 1 designation provides maximum salary cap relief but delays the savings until later in the offseason. This timing could impact Chicago's ability to make immediate roster additions while potentially limiting Kmet's options on the open market.

Kmet's eventual destination, whether through trade or free agency, will likely depend on which team can offer the best combination of offensive opportunity and competitive prospects. His proven ability to contribute in various offensive schemes makes him an attractive option for multiple franchises seeking reliable veteran depth at the tight end position.