Cole Kmet
The rumor mill is in full swing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially at the tight end position. With Cade Otton potentially set to hit free agency, the team could be in the market for a new playmaker at the position. Rumors are currently circulating about a potential player from the NFC North who could fill that need.
Cole Kmet of the Chicago Bears is a player that the Bucs could target should Otton wish to hit the open market. A potential trade could be the best case scenario for both teams as well. The Bears are a team currently having to operate above the salary cap, so they could make several moves to clear some space, with Kmet a potential option to go on the move.
By clearing him off their books, the Bears would have 23 million dollars in cap space open. Meanwhile, the Bucs would be getting someone who they can rely upon in short yardage situations and especially in the red zone. Most importantly, it makes sense for both team’s futures.
A Trade That Could Benefit Both Sides
The Bucs for now, believe they have a Super Bowl window open. By signing some key players this offseason and by potentially drafting well at certain positions, they can become one of the NFC’s most intriguing contenders. With the addition of Kmet, they would be getting a player with almost 3,000 career receiving yards and someone who could open up the offense a bit more. Most importantly, Kmet is only 27 years old and could add even more youth to the lineup.
For the Bears, it would be a clear statement of intent that they are willing to hedge their bets on their young talent. After all, they drafted Colston Loveland out of Michigan 10th overall last year, who ended up leading the Bears in receiving yards. Because of their elite drafting last year, they can afford to lose Kmet, who only had 347 receiving yards.
Why Tampa Bay Makes the Most Sense
There could be other teams in the mix for Kmet’s services, as they try and get themselves into contention. But the Bucs would make the most sense because of the infrastructure they already have. With a solid O-line and the steady QB play of Baker Mayfield, there will be room for Kmet to thrive in Tampa Bay. Also, there won’t be as much pressure on him to deliver as they already have elite offensive weapons at their disposal.
Of course, a lot of things could change for both squads going froward, especially with the Bucs still awaiting news about Mike Evans‘ future. For now, the Bucs can only wait as important decisions arise.
What with rumors about other positions coming under scrutiny as well, a move for Kmet may not push the needle as much for the Bucs. Still, look for them to be pretty active when free agency begins, with Kmet someone who could come into the spotlight sooner rather than later.