In a surprising move, the New England Patriots are reportedly pursuing a trade to acquire tight end Cole Kmet from the Chicago Bears. This news is sending shockwaves through the NFL fanbase, especially as the Patriots are in the midst of rebuilding their roster to support promising young quarterback Drake Maye. So, what’s driving the Patriots’ intense interest in bringing Kmet to Gillette Stadium? Let’s dive deeper into this potential blockbuster trade.
Cole Kmet – The Perfect Piece for the Patriots?
At 26 years old, Cole Kmet is one of the NFL’s most reliable tight ends in recent seasons. With 258 receptions, 2,592 yards, and 19 touchdowns in 84 career games, Kmet has proven himself as a versatile offensive weapon. His dependable hands and blocking ability make him an ideal fit for teams looking to bolster their tight end position.
The Patriots currently have Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, two experienced tight ends who are both 30 years old and lack the explosiveness needed for a modern offensive scheme. Kmet, with his youth and a three-year contract worth $11.6 million per season, is seen as a long-term solution to support Drake Maye, who is expected to lead the Patriots’ offense in the future. A source emphasized, “They need playmakers around Drake Maye, and Kmet could be a long-term answer at tight end.”
Why Are the Bears Willing to Part with Kmet?
On the Chicago Bears’ side, their decision to draft Colston Loveland—a highly promising tight end from the University of Michigan—with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked speculation about Kmet’s future. Loveland, with 1,229 yards and 9 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Michigan, is viewed as a potential star under new head coach Ben Johnson. Loveland’s arrival could push Kmet to a secondary role, which the Bears may not want to pay $11.6 million annually to maintain.
While Kmet remains a key figure in the Bears’ team culture and is highly regarded for his work ethic, his average receiving production may limit his upside in the Bears’ new offensive system. If the Patriots or another team offer an attractive package, such as a valuable draft pick, the Bears may consider the move to capitalize on restructuring their roster.
What Do the Patriots Need from Kmet?
The Patriots’ offense has shown significant improvement in the offseason with the additions Motorbike Sports | Motorcycle News, Reviews & Business acquisitions of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. However, the tight end position remains a weak spot, as Henry and Hooper fail to provide the needed spark. Kmet, with his reliable hands and experience, could serve as an immediate impact player and a long-term piece for Maye.
Additionally, a post-June 1 trade could save the Patriots up to $10 million in cap space, with only $1.6 million in “dead money” each year for the next three seasons. This financial flexibility is appealing, especially with the Patriots projected to have $125 million in cap space in the 2025 free agency period.
Risks and Outlook
While Kmet brings plenty of promise, the trade isn’t without risks. His 2024 season was underwhelming, with just 47 receptions, 474 yards, and 4 touchdowns—his lowest output since his rookie year. This dip could be attributed to inefficiencies in former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system. Whether Kmet can return to his 2022-2023 form (1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns) in a new system in New England remains a question.
Moreover, the Patriots must consider how Kmet would fit into an offense where Maye has already built chemistry with Henry and Hooper. Adding a new tight end could cause disruptions, especially if the Patriots prioritize acquiring a top-tier wide receiver instead.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Gamble?
If the Cole Kmet trade materializes, it would be a bold statement of the Patriots’ ambition to build a dynamic and explosive offense around Drake Maye. With a blend of experience, youth, and financial upside, Kmet could be the missing piece the Patriots need to spark a turnaround in the 2025 season. However, the success of this trade hinges on whether the Patriots can maximize Kmet’s potential and integrate him into their system.
The Cole Kmet-Patriots saga is still in its early stages, but it’s undeniably one of the hottest topics of the 2025 NFL offseason. Patriots fans have reason to be excited, but they should also brace for more surprises in the team’s rebuilding journey.