The Kansas City Chiefs are bracing themselves for the inevitable retirement of franchise legend Travis Kelce. Each of the past two years, fans have waited anxiously to find out whether or not the pass catcher would return for the following season. While the right decision was made each of the past two years, there is no guarantee that Kelce returns in 2027. With this in mind, it is fair to look at possible replacements the Chiefs could bring in over the next year.
It is incredibly important to note that finding a replacement for Kelce is an unquestionable downgrade. It doesn't matter who the Chiefs select; it is going to be a move in the wrong direction, with the team only hoping they can find steady production from the position. Leading us to look at the team's best options over the next year.
Could a Kelce heir apparent be coming soon?
1. Cole Kmet
The Chicago Bears have made it clear that Kmet is going to be moved at some point, with the team adding both Colston Loveland and Sam Roush. Still, Kmet is a very good receiving option, offering 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the 2023 season. While these numbers haven't been matched due to taking on a lesser role, the ability remains clear. If the Chiefs are going to trade for a replacement in the next few months, Kmet makes a great deal of sense.
Perhaps the only downside here is giving up draft picks for a player who is likely going to demand a meaningful return. A price that KC should be willing to pay, understanding that replacing Kelce isn't going to come from the current rostered options.
2. Kyle Pitts
Yes, the talented tight end was given a huge extension by the Atlanta Falcons and currently isn't on the market. However, another lost season from the Falcons could change this, demanding that the Chiefs keep an eye on the situation while understanding it is very unlikely that Pitts is going to hit the market.
You're keeping an eye on the pass-catcher based simply on the understanding that elite numbers can be produced with the right quarterback. The best quarterback that Pitts has played with in his career is an aging Matt Ryan in the quarterback's final year with Atlanta, and the tight end produced a season of over 1,000 receiving yards. No question, the Pitts should be kept under close watch.
3. T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson is hitting free agency at the end of the 2026 season and becomes an easy replacement to point to. He had a difficult 2025 campaign, but previously offered as many as 960 receiving yards as recently as the 2024 season. It is easy to see Hockenson surpassing this number working within the Kansas City offense.
The tight end would be an unquestionable upgrade over Noah Gray if Kelce were to return and would be a viable second option if the tight end does indeed walk away at the end of the 2026 season.
4. Trey'Dez Green
If the Chiefs want to go the draft route, no player has more upside than Trey'Dez Green. The current LSU junior offers an incredible catching radius at 6'7 and appears primed to put together a massive season. It would also allow the Chiefs to find the answer to the position for years to come.
Green is just scratching the surface of his ability as a receiver and is an incredibly physical blocker who would fit well within Andy Reid's offense. No question, of all the possible options, Green is the most exciting fit.
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