With the Los Angeles Chargers in need of a more dynamic threat at tight end, one potential trade candidate keeps getting mentioned: Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet.
Kmet, who is still only 26, is under contract for the next three years, and, at least in 2025, he very likely isn’t going anywhere. But ever since the Bears took Colston Loveland in the first round, all assumptions are that the rookie will be Chicago’s new TE1.
Cory Woodroof of USA Today’s For the Win put together 10 trade proposals, he believes are “realistic,” and he has Kmet going to the Chargers. Woodruff also mentioned a veteran TE as a potential trade swap candidate in this scenario: veteran Will Dissly.
“Kmet being traded to the Chargers just feels right,” Woodruff wrote. “With the Bears taking Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round, Chicago might be willing to move Kmet to a team needing a starting tight end. Los Angeles would give Kmet an instant upgrade at the position, and he feels like an instant fit in Greg Roman’s offense. The Chargers could send tight end Will Dissly back to Chicago to give the team a veteran second fiddle to Loveland. Kmet could return to top tight end status in L.A., and the Bears could give Loveland starting reps.”
Breaking Down a Cole Kmet Trade Swap for L.A. Chargers

GettyCole Kmet has been subject of trade rumors for months. Should the Bears swap him with L.A. Chargers TE Will Dissly?
Because a straight-up TE swap wouldn’t be fair — Kmet is by far a superior TE to Dissly — Woodruff also thinks sending a 2026 fourth-round pick to Chicago in the hypothetical deal would even things out.
Dissly is more of a sturdy all-around option than a dynamic pass-catcher, which is precisely why Kmet could step in and elevate the Chargers TE corps. A swap that includes Dissly would give the Bears a solid blocker and reliable veteran to mentor Loveland without his demanding a featured role in the offense.
Financially, the trade might help both organizations. Chicago would free up nearly $10 million by moving Kmet while getting a cheaper alternative in Dissly, who is set to make $4.4 million in 2025.
The Chargers would get an unquestioned TE1 with size, great hands and an excellent history of durability (Kmet has never missed a regular season game over five seasons).
More on Dissly’s NFL Career
Dissly 29, was selected in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He spent six seasons in Seattle, appearing in 72 games with 65 starts. He amassed 127 catches, 1,421yards and 13 touchdowns in that span.
In his inaugural season with the Chargers, Dissly maintained consistent production despite battling a shoulder injury late in the year. He signed with the Chargers in 2024 on a three-year, $14 million deal and promptly delivered the best statistical year of his career, hauling in 50 passes for 481 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (eight starts).
Dissly’s contract includes a 2026 option, which does give his team flexibility.
This actually is one of the more realistic trade proposals that has made the rounds regarding Kmet. If Chicago were to trade him — which is highly unlikely — it would want a replacement for Kmet in some form. This would give them that.
But in reality, Kmet is set to be part of a Ben Johnson-led offense that regularly features two tight end sets (12 personnel). He’s a local product and a fan favorite, and his durability makes him a huge asset. While Dissly is no slouch, he’s also no Kmet, so Chicago should probably just sit pat.
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