The Kansas City Chiefs had a clear potential Travis Kelce replacement in veteran tight end Kyle Pitts on their radar. But the Atlanta Falcons acted fast, and franchise tagged the talented pass-catcher, hoping to finally bring the franchise up from being stuck in mediocrity, failing to make the playoffs since the 2017 season. The idea that the Falcons might be willing to trade Pitts and KC would lock up a long-term replacement for Kelce seemed viable. However, hopes of this took a hit this past week with Pitts earning a three-year $54 million extension from the Falcons.
It was on the heels of the franchise locking up star wide receiver Drake London, as it has become clear Atlanta is unwilling to part ways with its current playmakers. It's far from ideal as it slams the door on an obvious replacement that would've fit perfectly within Andy Reid's system and given Patrick Mahomes a clear mismatch.
Pitts was a dream fit that clearly isn't happening and leaves Kansas City's future at the position unclear. Noah Gray is coming off the worst season of his career and clearly isn't a realistic option to replace Kelce. It is already in question whether Gray is even capable of being a viable backup option, much less replacing a franchise legend.
With this in mind, it appears Kansas City is going to have to remain patient and look to the 2027 draft class or a surprise trade option to replace Kelce.
Chiefs take frustrating hit as Kyle Pitts three-year extension rules out clear trade fit
Looking around the league, it's difficult to find a player with the ceiling of Pitts that could realistically hit the trade market. This points to the fact that the Chiefs haven't prepared for the future and have to hope that Kelce extends his career beyond just the 2026 season. Kansas City needs one more offseason with the stability of Kelce to find a solution that can help to replace the lost production.
For Pitts, it is understandable to take the security of a deal that has the pass catcher paid annually as a top four player at the position. However, there is no denying that Pitts is missing out on an opportunity to further his career by playing with the league's best quarterback.
Pitts played with Matt Ryan in year one, but since then, he hasn't had any level of stability at the position. Something that it appears will continue as the Falcons are unwilling to part ways with an offensive weapon that would've changed life for Kansas City.
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