The Chicago Bears may decide to part ways with Cole Kmet purely from a cost-to-production standpoint after he had just 474 yards and four touchdowns last season. Kmet is a good player and had an impressive 85.5% catch rate and 70.9% success rate in the 2024 season. The problem is that they are paying him to be a top-five tight end and not using him like one. The Bears used Kmet a lot as a blocker last season, with 73 pass-block snaps and 335 run-blocking snaps, so he has value there. However, he was credited with allowing three sacks, the most at the position, and was tied for fourth with seven pressures allowed.
After joining from the LA Chargers in 2024, Gerald Everett played a total of 17 games for the Bears while recording eight receptions for 36 receiving yards. The Bears might find him as a fitting cut candidate ahead of the 2025 season and mark $5.5 million cap savings if they cut him before June 1.
In his sixth season with the Bears, Cairo Santos played 17 games. He recorded 88 kicking points, 54 long field goals with a 84% field goal percentage. However, being on the wrong side of 30, Santos might end up being a prominent cut candidate for the Bears. In case of a pre-June 1 cut, the team might save $2.1 million and
$3.2 million if they cut him post June 1.
Another possible cut candidate for the Bears is their safety Jaquan Brisker. In 2024, Brisker played just 5 games, making 23 solo tackles, one forced fumble and one interception and defended two passes. In case of a pre-June 1 cut, the team will save $3.3 million.
