A key Bears tight end faces potential release as the team navigates a tight salary cap. This move could free millions for much-needed roster upgrades.
Despite making a postseason run, there were several holes in the Chicago Bears' team.
On defense, the one thing the Bears were better at than any other team was forcing turnovers. The Bears led the league with 33 turnovers in the first season under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
However, the Bears struggled everywhere else on defense.
Chicago allowed the 11th-most passing yards (239.4), sixth-most rushing yards (134.5), and 10th-most points (24.4) per game in the NFL last season.
On offense, the Bears were pretty efficient. They ranked inside the top 15 for passing yards, rushing yards, and points per game. That doesn't mean that the Bears don't need to improve.
Ozzy Trapilo is predicted to miss most of the 2026 season after suffering a patellar injury in the playoffs, creating a need at left tackle for Chicago.
On top of that, there are the players who will become free agents for the Bears this offseason. Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and others are now looking for new contracts.
The harsh reality the Beras have to accept is that, to improve, they will have to cut some players. Chicago already made one cut, releasing linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga.
The Bears are predicted to have just over $5 million in cap space for 2026. The move saved the team around $2 million.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes another Bears player could be a cap casualty just like Ogbongbemiga was. Barnwell predicted that tight end Cole Kmet would also be released to help the Bears save money.
If the Bears do decide to part ways with Kmet, they would save $8.4 million. (Via Over The Cap). Kmet is under a four-year, $50 million contract that isn't set to expire until 2028.
He played in 16 games, including 15 starts, for the Bears in the 2025 regular season. He recorded 347 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With the emergence of fellow tight end Colston Loveland, who is on a rookie contract, it may make the Bears' decision a little easier.
His contract still has a few years left on it, but Kmet may find himself hitting the free agent market if what Barnwell says is true. Kmet is one of the many decisions the Bears will have to make this offseason if they want to improve on last year's team.
Unfortunately, this is something every NFL team has to deal with as free agency inches closer.