Why Bears might wait until after June 1 to trade Cole Kmet

Why Bears might wait until after June 1 to trade Cole Kmet

"Trading Kmet before June 1 would cost the team $4.1 million in additional cap space," Knox writes, "while trading him after that date would save $1.4 million."

Chicago could save $1.4 million by trading Kmet after June 1, which is not a ton of money, but if they're solely looking to save money, it is a cost-cutting move.

Roush can fill in the TE2 spot behind Loveland nicely, as his blocking ability is good enough to replace Kmet, and he does have some receiving upside.

MORE: Dayo Odeyingbo named Bears most overpaid player for 2026

There has been some buzz this offseason about a Kmet trade. But, since the Bears decided to restructure Kmet's deal, there's been a smaller chance they part with him than before.

However, if they do still want to move on from Kmet and trade him to a TE-needy team following the NFL Draft, then doing so after June 1 would make sense.

They could get back a decent pick for Kmet, potentially a mid-rounder in the 2027 NFL Draft. But if the Bears are looking to contend this year, which seems to be the case, then holding onto Kmet might make more sense.

However, it's too soon to rule out Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson trading Kmet this offseason. And if a trade were ever to become reality, it would almost certainly occur after June 1, so the Bears could save $1.4 million instead of losing $4.1 million.

More Bears news:

• Drew Dalman surprisingly retires at 27 years old after Pro Bowl season
• Bears suddenly viewed as real suitor for Myles Garrett after contract questions
• Coby Bryant has good odds to be a successful signing for the Bears