Chiefs Seal Blockbuster Trade for Bears’ $50M Tight End, Bolster Offense Post-Kelce

Kansas City, MO – April 26, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs sent shockwaves through the NFL Friday, trading for Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The blockbuster deal redefines Kansas City’s offense as Travis Kelce, 36, nears the twilight of his career.

The Chiefs sent their third-round pick (No. 95) and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Chicago for Kmet and a 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 200). The Bears, after drafting Oklahoma’s Bauer Sharp at No. 10, saved $10 million in cap space with Kmet’s departure.

Kmet, 26, signed a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023 ($12.5 million AAV) and posted 58 receptions, 672 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 2024, earning a PFF grade of 78.8 (NFL.com). His youth and durability offer a dynamic upgrade over Kelce’s injury-marred, 823-yard 2024 season.

“He’s our offensive spark,” coach Andy Reid said. Kelce, facing retirement rumors, carries a $15.5 million cap hit in 2025. Kmet anchors Kansas City’s attack alongside Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, easing Kelce’s load or succeeding him.

With $12.7 million in cap space, the Chiefs absorb Kmet’s $10 million cap hit seamlessly (Spotrac). GM Brett Veach, fresh off drafting Josh Simmons at No. 32, secured a long-term TE1, overshadowing Noah Gray’s backup role.

Chicago, under Ben Johnson, prioritized Sharp’s receiving prowess (PFF grade 85.4). “Our rookie’s our future,” Johnson said. The Bears gained picks to bolster their rebuild, eyeing Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, per The Athletic.

Chiefs fans, buoyed by Simmons’ arrival, celebrated the move. Kmet’s blocking (PFF 72.5) boosts Pacheco’s 935-yard ground game, per NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. With pick No. 133 left, Kansas City may target a safety like Malaki Starks. Kmet fuels the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations, outpacing AFC West rivals like the Chargers.