Panthers Urged to Make Blockbuster Trade for $50 million Tight End

Fox Sports analyst Ralph Vacchiano believes the Carolina Panthers should trade for Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the potential blockbuster trade between the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears for tight end Cole Kmet.Chicago Today

Fox Sports analyst Ralph Vacchiano has urged the Carolina Panthers to trade for Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who is currently on a 4-year, $50 million contract extension. Vacchiano believes Kmet could be a reliable target for young quarterback Bryce Young, and the Bears may be willing to move on from Kmet with the emergence of Colston Loveland. The Panthers have also been consistently linked to Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the upcoming NFL Draft, so acquiring Kmet could give them flexibility in the draft.

Why it matters

The NFC South is wide open, and the Panthers have an opportunity to take over the division. Improving the tight end position could be a key factor in their success, as it would provide a reliable target for Bryce Young. A trade for Kmet could be a cost-effective way to address this need, rather than using a high draft pick on a rookie.

The details

Cole Kmet is a former second-round pick out of Notre Dame who has spent his entire professional career with the Chicago Bears. He has had some productive seasons, including three straight with at least 50 receptions. However, his production has declined recently, with just 30 catches for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025. This drop-off is partly due to the emergence of Colston Loveland in Chicago. Kmet is currently on a 4-year, $50 million contract extension that he signed in 2023, and the Bears could be enticed to move on from him now.

  • The Panthers are looking to improve their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
  • Kmet signed a 4-year, $50 million contract extension with the Bears in 2023.

The players

Cole Kmet

A tight end for the Chicago Bears who is currently on a 4-year, $50 million contract extension.

Bryce Young

The starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

Colston Loveland

A tight end for the Chicago Bears who has emerged as a key player, potentially making Kmet expendable.

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end prospect from Oregon who is widely seen as the top player at his position in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Ralph Vacchiano

A Fox Sports analyst who has urged the Panthers to trade for Cole Kmet.

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What they’re saying

“It's a make-or-break year for quarterback Bryce Young, and the Panthers have done a good job of surrounding him with receivers and running backs. But they don't have a reliable target at tight end — often the best friend of an emerging quarterback.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports Analyst

“The emergence of Colston Loveland has made him an afterthought in Chicago. With two years and $20 million left on his contract, the Bears could be enticed to move on now.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Panthers will need to evaluate the potential trade for Cole Kmet and determine if it is a better option than drafting a tight end like Kenyon Sadiq in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Acquiring a proven veteran tight end like Cole Kmet could be a savvy move for the Panthers as they look to build around young quarterback Bryce Young and compete in the wide-open NFC South. However, they will need to weigh the pros and cons of a trade versus drafting a rookie tight end like Kenyon Sadiq.