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Kelce's Future: Chiefs Eyeing Tight End Successor?
11 May
Summary
- Travis Kelce has one more year on his contract with the Chiefs.
- Cole Kmet's production has decreased in the past two seasons.
- Kmet could be a post-June 1 trade for the Bears, saving cap space.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is entering the final year of his contract in 2026, prompting speculation about the team's long-term plans at the position. The Chiefs may need to identify a successor to Kelce before his eventual retirement.
One potential veteran option discussed is Cole Kmet, currently with the Chicago Bears. Kmet's production saw a decline in the 2025 season, with 30 receptions for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, his career-best 2023 season, where he recorded 719 yards and 6 touchdowns, suggests he may still have untapped potential.
At 26 years old, Kmet is considered young for a tight end, and the possibility exists that coach Andy Reid could help him regain his peak form. A post-June 1 trade involving Kmet could free up approximately $5 million in cap space for the Bears, though the Chiefs might be hesitant to trade draft capital for a player with recent performance concerns.
