The New England Patriots are heading into the offseason with more optimism than they had a year ago. With a significantly improved roster, a better coaching staff, and a promising leap in the second year for quarterback Drake Maye, the Patriots are starting to see brighter days. However, to truly compete in the upcoming season, they need to add key pieces, particularly on the offensive side. A bold trade idea proposed by Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox could be the answer: acquiring Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet.
Why the Patriots Need Kmet
Despite notable progress during the offseason, the Patriots’ offense still lacks consistency and explosiveness. With Stefon Diggs potentially sidelined for the early part of the season due to injury, the team needs a reliable weapon to support Drake Maye. Cole Kmet, with his receiving skills and proven experience, could be the solution.
Kmet has already shown his value with the Bears. Last season, he recorded 474 yards and four touchdowns. Prior to that, in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, Kmet amassed over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns, emerging as one of the few bright spots in Chicago’s offense. Standing at 6’6” with versatile route-running ability, Kmet is not only an ideal red-zone target but also a dependable option for short-yardage situations.
“The New England Patriots should be interested in Kmet if he becomes available,” Knox wrote. “They need to surround second-year quarterback Drake Maye with pass-catchers, and Kmet could be a long-term solution at tight end.”
Kmet’s Situation in Chicago
On the other side, the Chicago Bears appear to be preparing for a shift. After selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the tenth overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Bears may no longer view Kmet as their top priority. Loveland, with his immense developmental potential, is seen as the future at the position in Chicago. Meanwhile, Kmet still has three years left on his contract with a cap hit of $11.6 million per season—a significant figure for a player who might be relegated to a No. 2 role.
“Chicago may not want to pay that much for a No. 2 tight end,” Knox noted. This opens the door for the Patriots, a team looking to upgrade its offense without breaking the bank.
Benefits for Both Sides
For the Patriots, acquiring Kmet would not only bring in a quality tight end but also represent a long-term investment. With three years remaining on his contract, Kmet could become a cornerstone in the plan to build an offense around Drake Maye. The combination of Kmet’s receiving skills and Maye’s growth could create a formidable duo in the years ahead.
For the Bears, trading Kmet could free up cap space and allow them to focus on developing Loveland and other young talents. Additionally, Chicago could receive a draft pick or a suitable player from the Patriots, helping them bolster other areas of their roster.
Challenges and Outlook
Of course, a deal like this is far from straightforward. The Patriots would need to carefully consider the financial cost and what they’d have to give up in the trade. Furthermore, integrating Kmet into New England’s offensive system would require time and adjustments from both sides. However, with his proven talent and young age (Kmet is just 26), he could become a critical piece in the Patriots’ rebuilding journey.
The offseason is the time for teams to make bold decisions, and the idea of bringing Cole Kmet to New England is certainly worth exploring. If successful, this trade could not only improve the Patriots’ offense but also signal that they are serious about returning to the top.