BREAKING: Questions Tromble Around Cole Kmet’s Future with Bears After Selection of Colston Loveland
Chicago, IL — In a move that has sent ripples through Halas Hall and fired up Bears fans and analysts alike, the Chicago Bears made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting standout Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. The decision has sparked intense speculation about the future of current starting tight end Cole Kmet, as questions “tromble” — not just rise — about how this shake-up affects the team’s offensive blueprint.
Cole Kmet, the 2020 second-round pick out of Notre Dame, has been a consistent contributor for the Bears, tallying career-high numbers over the past two seasons and developing solid chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. Despite a slow start early in his career due to coaching turnover and instability at quarterback, Kmet emerged as a red zone threat and a security blanket over the middle.
Yet with the Bears using a premium draft pick on Loveland — a player many scouts believe has Travis Kelce-like upside — a message has clearly been sent: the future at tight end may be up for grabs.
Why Loveland?
Colston Loveland, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end from the University of Michigan, has wowed evaluators with his soft hands, smooth route running, and high football IQ. During his final season at Michigan, he posted 57 receptions for 788 yards and 8 touchdowns, helping lead the Wolverines to another Big Ten Championship appearance.
GM Ryan Poles was quick to defend the selection following the draft:
> “We believe Colston Loveland is a dynamic playmaker who adds a unique element to our offense. This isn’t about replacing anyone — it’s about competition, depth, and giving our quarterback every possible weapon to succeed.”
While Poles insisted the move was not a reflection on Kmet’s performance, insiders say otherwise. Multiple league sources report that the Bears were not entirely pleased with Kmet’s blocking progress in 2024 and viewed Loveland as a more versatile chess piece in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme.
What This Means for Cole Kmet
Kmet, who signed a four-year, $50 million extension with the Bears in 2023, remains under contract through the 2027 season. However, his guaranteed money drops significantly after the 2025 season, giving the Bears a potential out if they feel Loveland is ready to assume a starting role.
Sources close to the team have suggested that the Bears could explore two-tight end formations heavily this year, allowing both Kmet and Loveland to be on the field. However, others believe the move signals that Kmet’s long-term role in Chicago may be diminishing.
“It’s hard not to read into it,” said former Bears tight end and current ESPN analyst Greg Olsen. “You don’t draft someone like Loveland unless you’re planning to use him a lot. Kmet has been solid — but Loveland has star potential.”
Fan Reaction & What’s Next
Social media has been ablaze with fans split between support for Kmet and excitement about Loveland. Some argue the competition will elevate both players, while others fear this could lead to locker room tension or even trade rumors if Kmet’s role diminishes.
As the Bears enter OTAs and prepare for training camp, the spotlight will remain fixed on this emerging tight end drama. Will Kmet fend off the rising star from Ann Arbor, or will Loveland “tromble” his way into the starting lineup?
One thing is certain — Chicago’s tight end room just got a lot more interesting.
