Overview
- The Bears have almost no salary-cap space, with outlets citing roughly $243,000 to about $1 million, which forces a move to fund draft picks and any late free-agent adds.
- Cole Kmet has two years left on a four-year, $50 million deal with a 2026 cap hit reported above $11 million and no guaranteed money remaining, which gives Chicago flexible outs.
- Reporting lays out three primary paths that create space: a restructure worth about $4.4 million, an extension that could clear more than $7 million, or a post–June 1 trade or cut that frees roughly $9 million.
- No transaction has been announced, though analysis notes Kmet’s blocking and veteran steadiness still matter even as 2025 first-rounder Colston Loveland took over the top receiving role at tight end.
- Speculation highlights possible markets rather than firm talks, including a proposed 49ers trade for pick No. 133 to cover for George Kittle’s recovery and suggested interest from the Patriots, Browns, and Ravens if Kmet becomes available.