Cole Kmet’s contract was restructured before the draft, reducing his 2026 cap hit to $7.775 million and raising his 2027 cap hit to $15.425 million. Chicago also drafted Stanford tight end Sam Roush in the third round, adding competition and prompting questions about Kmet’s role alongside Colston Loveland and a developmental prospect. Ryan Poles stated that nothing changes regarding Kmet, emphasizing that he is locked in contractually and valued for leadership and what he means to the team. Even with that clarity, his age and manageable contract entering the final year make him a plausible trade target. Hypothetical offers from ESPN’s reporters included a package of 2027 third- and 2028 fifth-round picks for Kmet, with Carolina sending a 2028 sixth-round pick back.
"Kmet's contract was restructured before the draft, lowering his 2026 cap hit to $7.775 million while increasing his 2027 cap hit (the final year of his deal) to $15.425 million. Chicago then used a third-round pick on Stanford tight end Sam Roush, which naturally invited the question of where Kmet fits in a room that now includes Colston Loveland and a developmental piece with some legitimate upside. Ryan Poles answered that question pretty directly after the draft."
""Nothing changes as far as our feelings with Cole," Poles said ( via Courtney Cronin). "Cole's locked in. Even contract-wise, he's locked in. It's not just whatever spot he is on the tight end depth chart, but his leadership and what he means to this team - we view him highly.""
"Carolina Panthers (Jeremy Fowler) Bears Receive: 2027 third-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick Panthers Receive: Kmet, 2028 sixth-round pick What Fowler had to say: "The Panthers, long in transition, are closer to contention after their first playoff appearance since 2017. Tight end is the glaring offensive need after they didn't address"
Read at Bleacher Nation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]