When the news came out that the Chicago Bears had traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it spread like wildfire. Instant reactions were hitting social media, many of them filled with emotions that the Fields era was officially over in Chicago. Though a trade was expected to happen at some point, the news still rocked the Bears fanbase. When it came to the players, however, it sounds like the Bears made sure to give some of them a heads up.
Bears tight end Cole Kmet joined the CHGO Bears show on Monday afternoon, and the first topic of discussion, naturally, was the Fields trade. Kmet shared his feelings on the move while recapping his St. Patrick’s Day weekend, which included a polar plunge with the Illinois Special Olympics, and revealed he actually found out about the trade from his head coach after the event. “I was planning to then hit the city and go out, but then got a call from “Flus” and the people with the Bears and decided to stay in after the news with Justin,” Kmet said.
Kmet didn’t disclose their conversation but was appreciative of being kept in the loop, even though he wasn’t expecting it. “I don’t expect them to call me for those types of things, but it’s always nice when they do reach out,” Kmet said. “I think that’s a classy move by them to kind of let guys who have been with Justin and are close with Justin to let them know about the decision and why they made the decision. I’m definitely grateful they did that, and it’s not something they have to do by any means.”
It’s unclear who else the Bears reached out to, but other players like DJ Moore, Khalil Herbert, and Teven Jenkins are all possibilities given their connection and friendship with Fields. As far as Kmet goes, he flourished during the last two seasons with Fields. The two established a great connection as Kmet totaled 123 receptions, 1,263 yards, and 13 touchdowns since the start of the 2022 season.
Now, Kmet will look to build a rapport with a new quarterback this coming training camp, but he reiterates that it’s an exciting time for the organization. “We want this thing to work. This thing is ready to take off, here,” Kmet said. “We’ve been adding pieces over the last couple of years, and we’re finally at a point where we can really be a dangerous team, not only in our division but in the rest of the NFC and in the NFL.”