The Chicago Bears have made it clear they’re building a high-powered offense around second-year quarterback Caleb Williams—and that includes adding serious pass-catching firepower. With the selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago may have found its new TE1. That development could unexpectedly benefit the Los Angeles Chargers.
The ripple effect? Veteran tight end Cole Kmet—formerly the unquestioned starter—might be the odd man out.
As Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently highlighted in his breakdown of post-draft trade candidates, Kmet landed at No. 7 on the list, with the Chargers named as a potential suitor.
Los Angeles Chargers Trade Rumors: Partner For Cole Kmet
“Kmet has three years left on his contract with cap hits of $11.6 million in each season,” Knox wrote. “Chicago might not want to pay that much for a No. 2 tight end. The Chargers could also look to add Kmet as a more dynamic pass-catcher than Tyler Conklin or Will Dissly. Kmet has 258 catches for 2,592 yards and 19 touchdowns in his five NFL seasons.”
Despite investing in depth at tight end—signing Conklin and Dissly and drafting Oronde Gadsden II in the sixth round—the Chargers still lack a true impact player at the position. Gadsden II is promising, but expecting a Day 3 rookie to contribute significantly right away is a gamble.
Enter Kmet, a proven and still-rising talent at just 26 years old. He’s productive, physical, and would provide an immediate upgrade in the Chargers’ tight end room. Paired with Justin Herbert, Kmet could reach a new level in his game that Bears fans have yet to see.
Financially, Los Angeles is in position to absorb Kmet’s deal and wouldn’t have to break the bank to acquire him. A conditional fifth-round pick might be enough to pry him from Chicago—especially if Loveland seizes the starting role in training camp.
While the Bears aren’t under pressure to move Kmet right away, a deal could materialize closer to the start of the 2025 season if the rookie shows he’s ready to take over. And if that happens, the Chargers should be ready to act. After missing out on Loveland in the draft, they might still land a top-tier tight end—just from the other end of Chicago’s depth chart.
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