The New England Patriots are reportedly eyeing a bold move to bolster their offense, setting their sights on Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet in a potential trade that could shake up the AFC. With the Patriots focused on building around their young quarterback, Drake Maye, this rumored acquisition signals their intent to add dynamic playmakers to an offense in need of explosiveness. But can the Bears, who have their own offensive ambitions under head coach Ben Johnson, afford to let a key star like Kmet slip away?
Why the Patriots Want Cole Kmet
The Patriots have made significant strides this offseason to support Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They’ve added veteran wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, alongside drafting rookie receiver Kyle Williams. However, the tight end position remains a question mark. While Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper provide reliability, both are 30 years old, and the unit lacks the long-term upside needed for a rebuilding team. Enter Cole Kmet, a 26-year-old tight end who could be a cornerstone for New England’s passing game.
Kmet, drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a consistent performer, with 211 receptions for 2,118 yards and 15 touchdowns over five seasons. His youth and versatility make him an attractive target for a Patriots team looking to add weapons for Maye. According to Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network, Kmet’s potential availability stems from his slipping role in Chicago’s offense following the Bears’ selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A post-June 1 trade could save the Bears $10 million in cap space, with only $1.6 million in dead money annually over the next three seasons, making the deal financially appealing for Chicago.
The Bears’ Dilemma
The Bears’ decision to draft Loveland has sparked speculation about Kmet’s future. With Loveland viewed as a high-upside receiving tight end, Kmet could fall to a secondary role, potentially as a blocker or short-yardage target. This shift is compounded by Chicago’s crowded receiving corps, which includes veteran DJ Moore, rookie Luther Burden III, and other pass-catchers, potentially pushing Kmet to fourth or fifth in the target hierarchy. As Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox noted, paying Kmet $11.6 million annually as a potential No. 2 tight end may not align with the Bears’ roster-building strategy.
However, Kmet’s value to the Bears shouldn’t be understated. His reliability and experience could complement Loveland in two-tight-end sets, which Johnson employed frequently during his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator (42.5% of plays, seventh-highest in the NFL). Trading Kmet could also disrupt team chemistry, especially for a Bears offense still developing around second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. With three years left on his contract, Kmet could fetch a solid return, but Chicago must weigh whether cap savings and draft picks outweigh his on-field contributions.
Patriots’ Strategic Play
For the Patriots, acquiring Kmet would be a calculated move to outmaneuver AFC rivals, particularly teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills, who boast potent offenses. New England’s offseason has been aggressive, with signings like edge rusher K’Lavion Chaisson and offensive tackle Will Campbell in the draft, signaling a commitment to a rapid rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Kmet’s addition could provide Maye with a dependable target, easing his transition into his second NFL season.
However, integrating Kmet poses challenges. Maye has already built chemistry with Henry and Hooper, and adding another tight end could complicate the offensive scheme. Some analysts, like Matthew Schmidt of SI.com, argue that the Patriots might be better served pursuing an established wide receiver to address their need for explosiveness, rather than investing in a position where they’re already stable.
Can the Bears Hold On?
The Bears face a pivotal decision. Trading Kmet could provide valuable draft capital and cap relief, allowing them to address other needs, such as their running game, which ranked third-worst in yards per rush in 2024. Yet, keeping Kmet could maintain offensive stability and support Williams’ growth. Johnson’s offensive philosophy prioritizes a strong running game, and Kmet’s blocking ability aligns with that vision. If the Bears believe Loveland can quickly assume a primary role, they might be tempted to trade Kmet, but premature roster changes could derail their momentum.
What’s Next?
The Patriots’ interest in Kmet underscores their ambition to accelerate their rebuild and compete in a tough AFC landscape. For the Bears, the decision to trade or retain Kmet will hinge on their confidence in Loveland and their long-term offensive strategy. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on whether New England can pull off this “heist” or if Chicago will hold firm, keeping their key star in place.