Jets’ Blockbuster Trade Idea Reunites $50 Million Bears Star with Justin Fields: Is This a Realistic Move for New York?
The New York Jets have placed significant confidence in quarterback Justin Fields to unlock his full potential.
As he enters his fifth NFL season, Fields is firmly established as the Jets’ starting QB, despite being benched last year in favor of veteran Russell Wilson during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This came shortly after Fields was traded by the Chicago Bears, who selected Caleb Williams as their new quarterback in April 2024.
To truly maximize Fields’ chances of success, the Jets may need to add another weapon to their passing game—whether through a trade or a late free-agent acquisition. One football writer has already suggested a potential trade target for New York.
On Thursday, Mike Gianakos of ClutchPoints proposed tight end Cole Kmet, a former Bears teammate of Fields, as a strong trade option for the Jets this summer.
“The Jets lost veteran TE Tyler Conklin in free agency, leaving just Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt for depth at the position. This puts a lot of pressure on rookie Taylor to adjust quickly and exceed his college stats in his first NFL season,” Gianakos noted.
“Even if Taylor steps up, Kmet would still be a valuable addition. He has chemistry with Fields, having played three seasons together in Chicago. Kmet enjoyed his best year in 2023 with Fields as his quarterback, recording 73 receptions, 719 yards, and six touchdowns.”
Kmet, 26, is in the second year of a four-year, $50 million contract, carrying an $11.6 million cap hit for each of the next three seasons. However, the Bears can move on from the deal after 2025 with just $3.2 million in dead money.
With first-round rookie Colston Loveland now competing for playing time with Kmet, it’s possible Chicago may look to offload the tight end if a serious suitor emerges. The big question is: Will the Jets be that team?
Leave a Reply