Bears predicted to cut ties with Cole Kmet in blockbuster trade with Steelers

The Chicago Bears parting ways with tight end Cole Kmet seems inevitable.

Despite having a solid No. 1 tight end in Kmet, the Bears decided to take tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

That selection has left the future of Kmet up in the air, which makes the Bears trading him a very realistic possibility.

In the opinion of CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, the Bears could end up sending the tight end to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have reportedly been in the market for another tight end.

"The Bears all but proclaimed a new face of their tight end position by spending a first-round pick on Colston Loveland this year, and while Kmet still has the benefit of legitimate NFL experience, it's very possible new coach Ben Johnson will lean all the way into Loveland out of the gate," Benjamin wrote. "In that case, perhaps the Steelers would be interested in pairing Kmet with Pat Freiermuth, especially if the price is lower than, say, acquiring Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons. Kmet logged at least 50 catches in three straight seasons from 2021-2023."

The Steelers really need another wide receiver after the George Pickens trade, but the team has been rumored to have interest in Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, so it stands to reason Pittsburgh could trade for Kmet if available.

Kmet has proven to be an effective playmaker during his career, with three seasons of 500-plus yards, including a 700-yard campaign in 2023.

Kmet had a down year in 2024, but so did the entire Bears offense, a unit that struggled with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm.

With Kmet and Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers would have one of the best tight end duos in the NFL, which would be a huge benefit for Aaron Rodgers, who needs more reliable pass-catchers in his arsenal.

We'd prefer for the Steelers to add a wide receiver instead, but adding a tight end like Kmet would be a strong secondary option.