Bears $50 million cut candidate could receive interest from Patriots, Browns, Ravens

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears might not be done making moves in free agency this offseason, but if they have their eye on doing anything even remotely significant moving forward, they need to free up more money.

One way they could do that is to cut tight end Cole Kmet, a move that would save the team a whopping $9 million if done with a post-June 1 designation ($1 million in dead money, $10 million in savings).

It's not crazy to think it could happen, either, as Chicago has an emerging young tight end in Colston Loveland, who came on strong in the second half of 2025.

As a result of the current situation in Chicago, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has Kmet pegged as a potential cut candidate if the Bears can't work out a restructure or find a trade partner.

"If the Bears can't work out a restructure or find a trade partner for Kmet, they can save $9 million by releasing him after June 1," he said. "If Chicago can add some depth behind Loveland over draft weekend, releasing Kmet would make a good amount of financial sense."

Kmet is an OK blocker but really shines as a pass-catcher. His numbers dipped in recent years, but Kmet showed he can be a top-notch pass-catcher after he tallied two campaigns with 600 receiving yards or more.

Three teams that could have interest in Kmet if he's cut or becomes available via trade are the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and  Baltimore Ravens.

The Patriots lost Austin Hooper in free agency and could use another veteran tight end on the depth chart behind Hunter Henry.

Plus, we know how offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes having two good tight ends, and we also know that New England could use more pass-catchers in general for Drake Maye.

When it comes to the Ravens, they are in a similar boat as the Patriots after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, which leaves Mark Andrews as the only reliable tight end on the depth chart.

The Browns will lose David Njoku to free agency after the veteran announced he wasn't coming back. Cleveland has a promising young tight end in Harold Fannin Jr. but could use a veteran presence behind him.

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