Chicago Bears insider Bradd Biggs doesn’t traffic in hot takes. When Biggs hints at something, especially in the Chicago Tribune, it’s usually grounded in real conversations inside Halas Hall. That’s why his recent comments on Cole Kmet carry weight.
Biggs acknowledged that the Chicago Bears will take a hard look at veterans with higher cap numbers, and Kmet technically fits that category. He’s due roughly $10 million in 2026 between base salary and bonuses, with no guaranteed money remaining. A trade or release would free up $8.4 million in cap space, and Biggs noted there would certainly be trade value if the Bears explored that route.
Still, Biggs made it clear he’d be surprised if Chicago planned a future without Kmet. While his receiving production has dipped, it’s not due to a decline in play. He simply hasn’t been targeted like he once was. Kmet continues to provide real value as a blocker, a tone-setter in the run game, and a respected leader in the locker room.
“Trading or releasing Kmet would provide a good chunk of cap space but would create a larger hole in the depth chart, in my mind. He’s a valuable glue guy for the roster, and the combination of skill sets with Loveland gives the offense a lot of options. I think he’s pretty secure.”
Kmet played 768 snaps this season, more than any skill-position player not named Caleb Williams or DJ Moore. That usage matters in Ben Johnson’s offense, which leaned heavily into 12 personnel. Pairing Kmet with Colston Loveland gives the Bears versatility few teams can match.
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Why the Bears Should Keep Kmet Around
From my perspective, this is a no-brainer. Kmet is a hometown talent who just experienced his most successful season in Chicago in terms of winning. Ben Johnson loves his tight ends, and the idea of Kmet and Loveland entering Year 2 together in this offense is exciting. Like Biggs said, the Bears need to keep him around.
Trading or releasing Kmet would provide a good chunk of cap space but would create a larger hole in the depth chart, in my mind. He’s a valuable glue guy for the roster, and the combination of skill sets with Loveland gives the offense a lot of options. I think he’s pretty secure.
