By Moses Joshua 
Chicago’s success may quietly push a proven playmaker onto Detroit’s radar—and the fit could be better than it first appears.
The Chicago Bears are enjoying one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. Under former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Chicago stacked up 11 regular-season wins in 2025 and punched its ticket to the divisional round after a dramatic wild-card comeback against the Green Bay Packers.
But even in a season filled with momentum and optimism, not everyone in Chicago benefited equally. One veteran, in particular, may find himself on the outside looking in—and that could open the door for a familiar NFC North rival.
A Productive Bear Caught in a Changing Offense
Tight end Cole Kmet entered the 2025 season as a core piece of the Bears’ offense, but his role diminished rapidly as the year unfolded. The emergence of rookie Coleston Loveland reshaped the depth chart, and by season’s end, Kmet had lost his starting job.
Statistically, it was a quiet year. Kmet finished with just 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games—far below the production expected from a veteran carrying a sizable contract. With Chicago prioritizing younger talent and flexibility, Kmet has quietly become a realistic cut candidate this offseason.
If that happens, Detroit should be paying close attention.
Why Detroit Makes Sense as a Landing Spot
The Lions learned an important lesson in 2025: tight end depth matters. Injuries and inconsistency exposed how thin the position could become when things go sideways.
A to Z Sports’ Mike Payton believes Kmet could be the solution Detroit didn’t know it needed.
“We definitely learned in 2025 that the Lions really need depth at tight end. Kmet gives them a guy who can be a pass catcher and a good pass-blocking tight end. A duo of Kmet and LaPorta could be a lot of fun and would give Goff an extra weapon.”
That versatility is key. Kmet has never been just a pass catcher—he’s reliable in protection, comfortable working underneath, and capable of handling heavy snaps if needed.
Insurance for LaPorta—and More
Sam LaPorta remains the long-term answer at tight end in Detroit, but 2025 was a reminder of how quickly plans can change. A back injury limited LaPorta to nine games and held him to 489 receiving yards, stalling what had been a promising start to his career.
LaPorta is expected to be fully healthy in 2026, but adding a proven second option would protect the offense from another depth crisis. Kmet wouldn’t just be insurance—he’d be a legitimate complement, capable of sharing snaps and expanding Detroit’s two-tight-end looks.
Cap Concerns, but a Realistic Path
Detroit is projected to be roughly $9 million over the cap this offseason, which complicates any addition. Still, the Lions have shown they can maneuver financially when the fit is right. If Chicago cuts Kmet outright, his market value would likely drop significantly, opening the door for a team-friendly deal.
At just 26 years old, Kmet still fits Detroit’s competitive timeline. He brings experience, durability, and a skill set that aligns cleanly with what the Lions ask of their tight ends.
If the Bears move on, Detroit shouldn’t hesitate. Sometimes the best upgrades come not from splashy signings, but from quietly capitalizing on another team’s tough decisions—and Cole Kmet could be exactly that kind of opportunity.