Kmet has been a reliable mid-tier TE1, providing steady production as both a pass-catcher and a blocker. Yet Chicago’s offseason plan points toward a shift, especially with the breakout of rookie Colston Loveland.
With Loveland expected to assume a more prominent TE role in 2026, Kmet could slide into a TE2 position on the Bears’ depth chart, a factor driving the trade market around him.
The proposed deal would also allow Chicago to clear cap space via a pre-June 1 designation, freeing about $8.4 million in 2026 and roughly $10 million in 2027.
That cap relief would enable the Bears to pursue a cost-efficient replacement in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, aligning with a roster-building approach focused on flexibility.
For Carolina, surrounding quarterback Bryce Young with reliable pass-catchers is a priority, and Kmet would provide a dependable option in the middle of the field to aid Young’s development.
In summary, the Kmet-to-Panthers trade would align each team’s draft and development goals, though it remains speculative until talks progress.
