The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 offseason facing several consequential roster decisions, and one of the more intriguing involves veteran tight end Cole Kmet.

After several seasons as a foundational piece of Chicago’s offense, Kmet now finds himself squarely on the roster bubble due to shifting depth chart dynamics.

NFL.com analyst Matt Okada recently identified Kmet as one of the Bears’ top potential cap casualty candidates, signaling that organizational priorities may be changing.

Okada’s evaluation centers on the rapid emergence of rookie standout Colston Loveland, whose development has altered the tight end hierarchy in Chicago.

Loveland’s ascension effectively relegated Kmet to a secondary role during the latter stretches of the past season.

“Kmet enjoyed his best campaigns in 2022 and ’23, and he’s largely average as a run blocker,” Okada wrote in his assessment of Chicago’s offseason outlook.

He further emphasized that declining production combined with Kmet’s salary makes the veteran an inefficient allocation of resources as a TE2 behind Loveland.

From a financial standpoint, the calculus appears straightforward for a franchise attempting to optimize cap flexibility.

The Bears could reportedly clear up to 10 million dollars in cap space by releasing Kmet, a substantial figure in a league where roster construction hinges on marginal gains.

Such savings could be redirected toward reinforcing other positional needs, particularly along the offensive line or defensive front.

Kmet’s statistical trajectory reinforces the financial argument for a potential departure.

In 2023, the 26 year old delivered a career highlight season with 73 receptions, 719 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.

That performance established him as a reliable intermediate target and red zone option within Chicago’s offensive framework.

However, the subsequent two seasons reflected a measurable downturn in productivity.

In both 2024 and 2025, Kmet failed to eclipse the 500 yard receiving mark, a sharp contrast from his previous peak output.

Compounding the issue, he ultimately lost his starting designation to Loveland, who provided greater explosiveness and versatility.

For a team transitioning toward a younger offensive identity, maintaining a high priced backup tight end presents limited strategic value.

The optics of releasing a former Notre Dame standout may sting locally, but from a roster management lens, the move aligns with pragmatic decision making.

Should Chicago part ways with Kmet, his market would likely develop quickly given the league wide demand for capable pass catching tight ends.

Among the franchises expected to show interest are the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans.

Denver presents an intriguing landing spot, particularly within head coach Sean Payton’s tight end friendly offensive system.

Although veteran Evan Engram remains on the roster, the Broncos could seek additional stability and two way reliability at the position.

Kmet’s skill set, while not elite in any singular dimension, offers balanced contributions as both a route runner and functional blocker.

Payton’s historical usage of tight ends in vertical seam concepts and red zone packages could revitalize Kmet’s receiving output.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs loom as a particularly compelling suitor due to uncertainty surrounding the future of Travis Kelce.

Kelce’s potential retirement would create a substantial void in Andy Reid’s offense, one that cannot be filled by committee alone.

Kmet would not replicate Kelce’s Hall of Fame caliber production, yet he profiles as a stable transitional piece within a high powered passing scheme.

His versatility as both a short area target and serviceable run blocker aligns with Reid’s preference for adaptable personnel groupings.

Pairing Kmet with quarterback Patrick Mahomes could restore confidence in a position that has defined Kansas City’s offensive identity for years.

The Tennessee Titans also emerge as a logical candidate given impending roster turnover.

With Chig Okonkwo expected to test free agency, Tennessee could prioritize adding an experienced presence to complement emerging tight end Gunnar Helm.

A pairing of Kmet and Helm would create schematic diversity, blending Helm’s athletic upside with Kmet’s steadier profile.

Such a tandem would provide Tennessee flexibility in both 12 personnel sets and red zone packages.

Even amid consecutive down seasons, Kmet’s age remains a critical variable in evaluating his market appeal.

At 26, he is entering what many consider the prime years for tight ends, a position often requiring developmental patience.

His statistical regression may reflect situational usage rather than irreversible decline.

Teams seeking mid tier stability without committing to top of market contracts could view Kmet as a value acquisition.

For Chicago, however, the financial incentive and depth chart reality converge toward a likely separation.

The emergence of Loveland reshaped internal projections, transforming Kmet from cornerstone to luxury.

In an NFL ecosystem defined by cap efficiency, luxury backups rarely survive offseason audits.

If the Bears ultimately release Kmet, the move will symbolize more than a transactional adjustment.

It will represent a philosophical pivot toward youth and fiscal discipline.

For Kmet, the next chapter could unfold within an offense better positioned to maximize his dual threat attributes.

Whether in Denver, Kansas City, Tennessee, or another contender seeking tight end depth, opportunity should not be scarce.

As roster dominoes begin to fall, Kmet’s status will serve as an early indicator of Chicago’s broader strategic direction heading into 2026.