The Kansas City Chiefs are still getting stellar play from veteran tight end Travis Kelce, but one analyst believes the team could start their succession plans in the coming days with a blockbuster trade.
Reporter Josh Weil of Pro Football Sports Network suggested a series of potential trade-deadline deals for the Chiefs, proposing they take aim at Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. Weil suggested the Chiefs could land him for a moderate price, giving them a potential replacement if Kelce chooses to retire after this season.
Chiefs Find New Tight End
Weil suggested the Chiefs could swing a deal for Pitts in exchange for a package of Day 3 draft picks, landing the tight end and a 2026 seventh-round pick for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Adding Pitts would give the Chiefs another weapon this season and a building block for the future, the reporter suggested.
“With rumors swirling around the end of Travis Kelceâs career coming soon, why not bring in a guy like Kyle Pitts as heir to the Kansas City tight end room?” Weil wrote. “Pitts was drafted with the fourth pick of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and after a monster rookie season, has been considered a bust by more people than not. With a coaching staff that excels at getting the most out of their players and a Hall of Fame tight end to shadow, this move could pay off for Kansas City for a long time.”
Pitts had a strong start to his NFL career, making 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season in 2021. But he has failed to match that level of production since, falling below 700 yards in each of the next two seasons. He is back on a healthy pace this year, making 29 receptions for 344 yards with one touchdown.
Pitts has close to 3,000 total yards for his career with 11 touchdowns.
Kelce is on a nearly identical pace as Pitts this season, making 31 receptions for 375 yards with two touchdowns this year.
The Chiefs could also choose to address other offensive needs, including a more pressing one. The team has struggled to get consistent production from its backfield, leading Weil to suggest they take a run at New York Jets running back Breece Hall.
“While the Jets offense has been nothing short of abysmal, and a considerable part of their being winless through seven games prior to today, Breece Hall still grades well among his peers, per our PFSNi RBi Rankings,” Weil wrote. “He is 14th in the NFL with his 81.2 Impact Score, even in the leagueâs third-worst offense. Bring Hall to Kansas City and Andy Reid, and let the magic happen.”
Travis Kelce Has Addressed Retirement Rumors
It’s not clear yet what the future holds for Kelce. The veteran tight end has hinted that the end is coming soon, but said he still feels good and at the top of his game.
âFor who, for me?â Kelce said before the team’s season opener in September. âMan, itâs the last one on the contract right now, but Iâll tell you what: Iâm feeling young and Iâm feeling ready to rock, baby.â
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes joked that Kelce looks to be in great shape, noting that his shirt was a bit looser this year.
âThis thing was a little tighter last year,â Kelce said.
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