Veteran Tight Ends Hockenson and Kmet Could Be Cut Candidates

The Detroit Lions may look to target these players if they become available.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:47am

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The Detroit Lions are expected to utilize more offensive sets featuring two or three tight ends. As a result, the team may look to target veteran tight ends T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings and Cole Kmet of the Chicago Bears if they are released by their current teams due to high salary cap figures.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to bolster their tight end group to complement their new offensive coordinator's scheme. If Hockenson and Kmet become available, they could provide veteran experience and production at a position of need for the Lions.

The details

Hockenson, a former Pro Bowler with the Lions, has seen a decline in production over the past two seasons with the Vikings. His $21.3 million cap hit in 2026 could lead the Vikings to release him, saving them $16 million if designated as a post-June 1 cut. Kmet, who had his best seasons in 2022 and 2023 with the Bears, may become expendable with the emergence of rookie Colston Loveland. The Bears could save $8.4 million by moving on from Kmet and his $11.6 million cap hit.

  • In 2026, Hockenson has a $21.3 million cap hit, which is the highest in the NFL for a tight end.
  • Kmet has a $11.6 million cap hit in 2026.

The players

T.J. Hockenson

A veteran tight end who played for the Detroit Lions before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he has seen a decline in production over the past two seasons.

Cole Kmet

A tight end for the Chicago Bears who had his best seasons in 2022 and 2023, but may become expendable with the emergence of rookie Colston Loveland.

Colston Loveland

A rookie tight end for the Chicago Bears who had a breakout season in 2025 and is expected to play a bigger role in the team's offense in 2026.

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who had success featuring tight ends in his previous role.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who may look to target Hockenson or Kmet if they become available.

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What they’re saying

“Hockenson totaled 155 catches, 1,479 yards and eight touchdowns over 25 games with the Vikings in 2022 and 2023, playing at or near the level that earned him two Pro Bowl selections in Detroit. Unfortunately, over his 25 games since the start of 2024, the veteran tight end has totaled just 92 catches for 893 yards and three touchdowns.”

— Matt Okada

“After watching Loveland's breakout down the stretch — and the corresponding drop in Kmet's numbers -- it becomes tougher to justify Kmet's $11.6 million cap hit in 2026. Chicago, which currently sits $5.3 million in the red, can move on for a whopping $8.4 million in cap savings.”

— Matt Okada

What’s next

The Detroit Lions will monitor the situations with Hockenson and Kmet closely, and may look to target one of them if they become available and the price is affordable.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions are looking to bolster their tight end group to complement their new offensive coordinator's scheme, and veteran tight ends like Hockenson and Kmet could be viable options if they are released by their current teams due to high salary cap figures.