It took some time, but Chicago Bears No. 10 overall pick Colston Loveland has come on strong late in his rookie season.
Through his first six games, he never eclipsed 40 yards, but ever since Week 9, Loveland has amassed 290 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
With the emergence of the Michigan product, Chicago's other tight end, Cole Kmet, could be expendable and may find himself a cap casualty during the 2026 offseason.
Colston Loveland's emergence could mean the end of Colet Kmet's Bears tenure
ESPN's Dan Graziano revealed that the Bears could cut ties with Kmet for little cost, especially given their surplus of talent at the tight end position.
"The Bears used the 10th pick in the draft on tight end Colston Loveland, who has become a bigger part of the offense as his rookie year has progressed. Kmet is signed for two more years at $10 million per year, but none of that money is guaranteed. The dead money hit if Chicago cut him would be just $3.2 million," wrote Graziano.
"Kmet has been a useful and reliable part of the Bears' offense and could certainly continue to coexist with Loveland in 2026 and beyond. He has 231 yards and two scores on the season. But if Chicago is looking for a place to find some cap relief next spring, Kmet's contract could be vulnerable."
While the cap relief is minimal, if the Bears need it, it's there for them.
In all likelihood, they'll want to retain both tight ends for at least another season. Caleb Williams is still on his rookie deal after all, giving Chicago more flexibility on their cap sheet.
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