The coming weeks will be filled with trade rumors across the NFL. With the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, it’s the perfect time for teams to move players in an effort to acquire more picks. With a bountiful 11 picks, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Baltimore Ravens forced themselves into trade conversations.
The Ravens have more needs than they’d like to have right now. On offense, wide receiver, offensive line, and tight end need to be addressed. On defense, pass rush and cornerback remain the biggest questions.
Sure, Baltimore will undoubtedly use most of their picks as usual, but they need to shift their philosophy slightly and find proven contributors. One potential target who could make a ton of sense is Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. It’d make sense given the idea of a reunion between him and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
Baltimore Ravens could reunite a former offensive duo in potential trade
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, a Kmet trade could be one of the biggest moves that has yet to happen this offseason. In his mock trade, he has the Ravens dealing a conditional 2027 fourth-round selection to the Bears for Kmet. Knox wrote:
“For Baltimore, adding Kmet would make a ton of sense. The Ravens lost tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Kmet is a solid pass-catcher who has tallied 2,939 receiving yards in six seasons and who just turned 27 years old in March.”
“Kmet also has experience under new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who held the same position last season in Chicago.”
This feels like a no-brainer. It’d be such a seamless fit.
As Knox mentioned, there’s a desperate need for a backup tight end in Baltimore. After losing both backups, their only reliable pass catcher at that spot is Mark Andrews. And Kmet could also be a stronger rotational option than either Isaiah Likely or Charlie Kolar were in their Baltimore tenures. He may not be the better player, but at least in terms of production, there’s a chance to outshine them.
Kmet’s connection to Doyle is the painfully obvious reason to speculate on this deal. While Doyle didn’t call the plays in his lone season as offensive coordinator in Chicago, he played a pivotal role in the gameplanning process, and he kept Kmet involved enough in the midst of 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland's instant breakout. The young playcaller could create a similar dynamic alongside Andrews.
There’d also be a connection already in the tight end room with Durham Smythe. The Ravens signed Smythe to a one-year, $3 million contract earlier this offseason. It doesn’t mean a whole lot, but it could certainly signal that Doyle would like some familiarity in his first year where he is actually calling the plays. Smythe brings some familiarity as a run blocker, and Kmet could bring that as a receiving weapon.
Ultimately, it’s all speculation. Given the front office’s history, there may not be a ton of reason to believe that the Ravens would be aggressive for a trade like this. However, as they usher in a new era, there may be some shifts in how they approach things.