Chicago Bears predicted to land Cole Kmet replacement before trade deadline

When potential Chicago Bears trade deadline moves are discussed, the conversation is usually about potential defensive moves. But the Bears still have some needs on the other side of the ball as well.

Chicago is down tight end Cole Kmet for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. Colston Loveland is a dynamic force and will take on more responsibilities moving forward. But behind him is just third-round rookie Sam Roush and practice squad staple Stephen Carlson.

Alongside his work catching the ball, Kmet is also a strong blocker in the run game. It’ll be difficult for the Bears to truly replace him. But if the right opportunity arises, Chicago will at least explore their options.

There are a few intriguing tight ends available as the trade deadline lingers. Ultimately, the Carolina Panthers may be best suited to fill Chicago’s vacancy.

Chicago Bears could target Ja’Tavion Sanders trade

The Bears and Panthers have been no strangers to trades, as both franchises have been molded by their 2023 blockbuster. This time around, trade talks don’t seem like they’d elevate to that level. But the Panthers still have a player the Bears could be interested in.

Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has essentially be eliminated from Carolina’s offense. With a change of scenery, his talents may be better used. Ben Solak of ESPN at least argues the Bears should offer the Panthers a 2027 sixth-round pick for Sanders’ services.

“Sanders has been a healthy scratch in Carolina for much of the season despite his draft status as a 2024 fourth-round selection,” Solak wrote. “He is buried on the depth chart behind Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller and the direly underrated Mitchell Evans, but still has some YAC skills. The Bears lost Cole Kmet for the season because of a major knee injury, and though Sanders shares none of Kmet’s skill set, he gives them another option at TE3 behind Colston Loveland and rookie third-round pick Sam Roush.”

Sanders has yet to catch a pass during the 2026 campaign. In his first two years with the Panthers, the tight end made 62 grabs for 532 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Still only 23-years-old, he’d be an intriguing lottery ticket for the Bears.

Whether or not the Bears actually acquire another tight end is yet to be seen. But Bears fans should at least be aware of Sanders’ name as the trade deadline looms.

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