This NFL trade proposal sends a $50 million offensive playmaker to the Charlotte Hornets.
A blockbuster NFL trade proposal involving the Carolina Panthers has been created.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report proposed that the Panthers trade for Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet this offseason.
Panthers Receive: TE Cole Kmet
Bears Receive: 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 157)
Kmet is a talented TE, but he could be expendable in Chicago now because the Bears have Colston Loveland.
Kmet finished this season with 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns.
Chicago could save $8.4 million by trading Kmet before March 15. The Bears are facing a cap deficit of more than $9.6 million, so we could see some trades this offseason by GM Ryan Poles.
Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Bears in 2023. He becomes a free agent in 2028. The veteran has 288 catches for 2,939 yards and 21 touchdowns in the NFL.
"Finding a reliable tight end would be a way to boost the passing attack and Cole Kmet is a logical trade target," Ballentine wrote. "He's had more than 400 yards receiving in every season other than his rookie year and last season.
"With the Bears striking gold on the Colston Loveland pick, they could be willing to part with Kmet for the cap savings and take a Day 3 pick. That's a no-brainer for the Panthers who could make Kmet a top tight end option again in an offense that needs weapons."
The Panthers already have a star playmaker for QB Bryce Young in WR Tetairoa McMillan, who finished his rookie season with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. Carolina's offense would become more dynamic with Kmet in the fold.
Young had 3,011 passing yards and 23 passing touchdowns in the regular season. Carolina has already picked up the fifth-year option on Young.
It will be intriguing to see how the Panthers perform next season with Young and McMillan leading the offense in Year 3 of the Dave Canales era.
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