Bears’ $50 Million Star Named Top NFL Trade Candidate for 2025
Times are exciting for the Chicago Bears with new head coach Ben Johnson near completing his star-studded coaching staff for the 2025 season. But with the changing of the guard also comes the implication that not every member of last year’s Bears roster will return for another go-round.
Some will inevitably depart the team when NFL free agency begins in March, including – potentially – right guard Teven Jenkins and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Naturally, the Bears will also explore their options for cut candidates. Would the Bears go as far as to place one of their top offensive playmakers on the trading block if he doesn’t gel with schematic Johnson’s vision, though? Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images Mark
J. Rebilas/Imagn Images Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting staff certainly believes it is possible, listing star tight end Cole Kmet as one of their top trade assets for the 2025 offseason in a recent article that examined the potential trade candidates for every NFL team.
Kmet has three years left on the $50 million contract he signed with the Bears in 2023, but the 2020 second-round pick is out of guaranteed money on his deal.
The 25-year-old also struggled along with the rest of Chicago’s offense in 2024. He finished fewer than 50 receptions and 500 receiving yards for the first time since his rookie season; though, he also had his fewest targets (55) since then. “Cole Kmet is the trade candidate who would probably bring the best return,” BR’s staff wrote.
“If Ben Johnson views him as someone who can play the Sam LaPorta role in his Bears offense, then he’s worth holding onto. However … they might prefer to target a talent-rich tight end draft in April for a replacement.” Kmet could fetch a good price on the NFL trade market.
Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images If motivated, the Bears could replace Kmet during the 2025 offseason. He is a talented vertical-threat tight end who would likely net them a quality draft pick, maybe even as high as a third-rounder from the right suitors.
Johnson would have to think very little of Kmet to push to move him, though.
The Bears are also not exactly stacked at the tight end position, either. Gerald Everett, their No. 2 option, could be a cap casualty after underperforming in his first season in Chicago.
He caught just eight passes for one first down. Maybe circumstances could change after free agency and the NFL draft, but the Bears trading Kmet seems awfully unlikely at this stage in the offseason.
