Bears' Cole Kmet reflects on losing Justin Fields as a teammate

Only time will tell if the Chicago Bears made the right move in trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, but it's clear not all of Fields' former teammates are thrilled about the decision. 

Per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Bears tight end Cole Kmet revealed on the latest edition of the "CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast" that he heard from head coach Matt Eberflus before the Fields trade became official. The news ultimately prevented Kmet from enjoying his St. Patrick’s Day weekend as he originally planned. 

"I was planning to hit the city and go out, but then I got a call from 'Flus and the people with the Bears and decided to stay in after the news with Justin," Kmet explained. "Obviously, really upsetting that it came to that, and where it was at that moment, but you kind of felt like the writing was on the wall with that." 

Most expect the Bears will make USC Trojans signal-caller Caleb Williams the first pick of this year's draft. Multiple reporters said that the club didn't want to add Williams to a locker room that included Fields and featured numerous veteran players who voiced their support for the 2021 first-round pick. 

Along with Kmet, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and wide receiver D.J. Moore were among noteworthy Chicago players who spoke highly of Fields during the offseason even though it had become clear that Williams was likely going to be atop the team's depth chart this summer. 

"I don’t expect them to call me for that kind of thing, but it’s always nice when they do reach out," Kmet acknowledged about Eberflus' call. "I think that’s a classy move by them to let guys who have been with Justin and are close with Justin let them know about the decision and why they made the decision. So I’m definitely grateful that they do that, and it’s not something they have to do, by any means." 

In a mock draft updated on Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said that "all signs point" to Chicago selecting Williams first overall on April 25. Williams is Kiper's top-ranked prospect of the 2024 draft class. 

"This is really exciting times and with whatever rookie they decide to go with, looks like that’s the direction that it’s going, what a great opportunity," Kmet added about who will be his new starting quarterback. "What a great opportunity for a young kid to come in here with an infrastructure in place and be ready to go win football games from the get-go."

As of early Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the 2024 Bears at -120 betting odds to make the playoffs.