The Kansas City Chiefs came up short in their quest for a three-peat and now head into an important offseason. With Travis Kelce’s possible retirement and several free agents who could leave Kansas City in the coming weeks, the Chiefs will need to find younger talent to replenish their roster ahead of the 2025 season.
Although they have the league’s biggest trump card in Patrick Mahomes, it’s a tall task for the front office. Finding pieces to put around Mahomes is the top priority as he is set to turn 30 in September and it puts a massive emphasis on the draft and free agency.
While players will create the headlines, the decision makers who will bring them in is another conversation. Fortunately for the Chiefs, an opportunity to add to the front office just opened up, and it’s a chance to poach from a division rival in the process.
Chiefs Should Inquire About Former Raiders Executive Champ Kelly
The Las Vegas Raiders announced last week that they parted ways with assistant general manager Champ Kelly. Kelly had been with the organization since 2022 and also served as the team’s interim general manager when Dave Ziegler was fired in the middle of the 2023 season.
The #Raiders and assistant GM Champ Kelly have mutually agreed to part ways, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 17, 2025
New GM John Spytek is making over the front office and Kelly, the onetime Raiders interim GM, will pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Kelly’s biggest expertise is in the scouting department. He served as the Chicago Bears director of pro scouting and held the title of assistant director of player personnel. Kelly also served as a college scout and assistant director of player personnel with the Denver Broncos.
This could play into the hands of the Chiefs, who are looking for young talent over the next several years. Kelce and top free agents Trey Smith and Charles Omenihu could return this offseason. However, having an executive with extensive scouting experience could help them find replacements should they decide to walk away.
Kelly’s previous experience in the AFC West could also be beneficial as he could know of some diamonds in the rough the Chiefs could poach to add to their roster.
It’s unknown if Kelly would be interested in joining the Chiefs, but coming aboard on a staff that figures to be in contention for the next several seasons doesn’t seem like a bad idea. With turnover needed, Kelly could help the Chiefs stay toward the top and add another title to their dynasty in the near future.