Why Chicago Bears Won't Cut Ties With Veteran Dubbed 'Most Valuable Trade Chip'

The Chicago Bears are not planning to cut ties with veteran tight end Cole Kmet, despite ongoing trade speculation, according to the article. FanSided writer Winston Wilcox labels Kmet the Bears’ “most valuable trade chip,” but argues Chicago should keep him. The piece notes Kmet recorded 347 receiving yards and two touchdown catches last season and suggests his role could continue alongside new selections. It points to the Bears drafting Colston Loveland in 2025 and, in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking Sam Roush in the third round, yet frames Roush as a secondary tight-end piece rather than an immediate replacement. Statistical usage cited for 2026 shows Chicago running 12 personnel at a 32.64% rate and ranking sixth, and 13 personnel at 8.52% ranking fifth. The article concludes the Bears likely want at least one more season to evaluate how Roush fits long term with Kmet.