Chiefs Linked to Potential Trade for Future Travis Kelce Replacement
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The Kansas City Chiefs are still one of the top Super Bowl contenders in the NFL heading into the 2025 season. Until they're actually defeated, the Chiefs will be one of the main teams to watch.
Back for at least one more run are Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. After rumors about his potential retirement, Kelce decided that he could not walk away from the game after losing in the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While he may be back for another run, the reality of the situation is that Kelce does not have much longer left in the NFL.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Photo byTo that end, could Kansas City consider making a trade to acquire a future replacement for Kelce?
Read more: NFL Legend Dan Marino Fires Shot at Tom Brady
That is exactly what one analyst has suggested. One player in particular has been brought up as a potential target for the Chiefs to be a replacement for Kelce in the future and a high-impact piece for the offense and Mahomes now.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has suggested Kansas City as a possible trade destination for Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. After the Bears used their first-round pick on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, Kmet could be made available.
"The Kansas City Chiefs should also consider taking a flier on Kmet if he's available. Travis Kelce is still holding down the starting job, but he'll turn 36 in October. The Chiefs could view Kmet as a potential successor to Kelce and a great complementary option behind Kelce, along with Noah Gray," Knox wrote.
He also noted that there is an intriguing connection between the Chiefs and Kmet that would make a move for the 26-year-old tight end even more intriguing.
"It's worth noting Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy coached Kmet for two seasons in Chicago."
Read more: Browns' Shedeur Sanders Gets Major Cut Warning Ahead of Training Camp
Kmet played good football during the 2024 NFL season. He appeared in 17 games for Chicago, racking up 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns. He had a career-best season in 2023 with 73 catches for 719 yards and six scores.
Being able to play alongside a quarterback like Mahomes would help take Kmet's production to another level. He may not be as productive as Kelce was during his prime, but he's a more than capable starting NFL tight end.
Depending on the price tag, Kansas City should absolutely have interest in Kmet. While this is just an idea, it's one that would make perfect sense for the Chiefs and offer the young tight end a perfect fit.
For more Kansas City Chiefs and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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