The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing mounting pressure to improve their roster after a disappointing 4-win season in 2024-25, leaving no room to waste any years of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s $275 million contract. With the team‘s future relying heavily on Lawrence’s development, the Jaguars see acquiring tight end Cole Kmet as a potential catalyst to enhance their passing game in 2025.
Potential Impact of Cole Kmet on Jacksonville’s Offense
Before the 2025 NFL season, projections have identified the Jaguars as a prime candidate to pursue Bears tight end Cole Kmet. This interest is partly fueled by Kmet’s connection to Jacksonville’s coaching staff, notably Shane Waldron, the team’s passing game coordinator, who previously worked with Kmet in Chicago. This familiarity could help Kmet quickly adapt to the Jaguars’ offensive system, a vital factor for a team eager to see immediate results.
Kmet, drafted in the second round in 2020, saw a decline in his stats last season compared to his 2023-24 performance, dropping from 719 yards and six touchdowns on 73 receptions to 474 yards and four touchdowns on 47 receptions. Despite that dip, his career totals include 2,592 yards and 19 touchdowns, showcasing his proven ability as a reliable target.
“However, the Jaguars would be wise to inquire about Kmet. They have a budding tight end in Brenton Strange, but they also lost Evan Engram in free agency,”
wrote Kristopher Knox.
“The Jags should be looking to put as much talent around Trevor Lawrence as they can this season, and they do have some coaching ties to Chicago. Former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now serves as Jacksonville’s passing game coordinator.”
—Kristopher Knox, Author
Why the Bears Might Part Ways with Cole Kmet
Chicago’s recent draft choices play a crucial role in why Kmet could be available for trade. Selecting Colston Loveland at number 10 overall suggests the Bears are planning on building around the younger tight end, possibly making Kmet expendable. Financial considerations add further incentives, as Kmet’s four-year, $50 million contract extension signed in July 2023 carries a $12.5 million cap hit. Trading him could free significant salary space for the Bears, enabling investment in other areas as they continue constructing their team around quarterback Caleb Williams.
For the Jaguars, acquiring Kmet addresses a key gap created by the departure of Evan Engram in free agency. With questions about depth at tight end, adding a dependable veteran like Kmet would strengthen the passing attack and offer more options for Lawrence heading into the 2025-26 season.
How the Addition of Kmet Could Influence the Jaguars’ Upcoming Season
Jacksonville’s preseason schedule begins Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by matchups with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins before the regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers on September 7. Bringing Kmet on board before these games could allow valuable time for the coaching staff to incorporate him effectively into their offensive plans.
Given Shane Waldron‘s past work with Kmet, his integration could be smoother and faster than usual, potentially preparing him for significant playing time from Week 1 onward. The Jaguars’ failure to reach the playoffs since 2023 intensifies the urgency to maximize Lawrence’s effectiveness while his contract dominates the salary cap.
With the franchise quarterback entering his prime, the team’s window to contend is narrowing. Swiftly upgrading the receiving corps with a proven tight end like Kmet could be a decisive step in reversing the team’s fortunes.