One area the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to answer is what happens when Travis Kelce finally walks away. Kelce has considered retirement each of the past two offseasons, and it isn't out of bounds to consider this likely the pass-catcher's final season. While a great year could change this, it's on the table, giving the Chiefs a sense of urgency when it comes to finding the next option at the position. Noah Gray clearly isn't getting the job done and has often been underwhelming when KC could use production from a surprise target.
All of this leads to Kansas City's front office having every reason to pay close attention to a recent extension for Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London. The soon-to-be 25-year-old signed a four-year extension worth up to $150 million, putting the receiver among the league's top paid at the position. Atlanta accomplished this while Kyle Pitts remains franchise-tagged and appears set to play on a one-year deal if a trade partner isn't found.
This is where Kansas City comes in, understanding that a trade makes a great deal of sense either ahead of the season or once Atlanta falls out of contention. Even if the Falcons don't want to deal Pitts in the moment when the 2026 season doesn't fall their way, it makes perfect sense for the Chiefs to strike and attempt to lock up their future at the position.
Chiefs should keep close eye on Kyle Pitts after recent Drake London extension
Opting to pay London while letting Pitts continue to sit on the tag sends a clear message that the franchise doesn't see him as part of their long-term future. This opens up a potential trade either ahead of the season or when the Falcons fall out of contention. While this might seem to be getting ahead of the 2026 results, this is where it should be noted that Atlanta hasn't had a winning season since 2017.
Kansas City is likely going to get its opportunity to strike and land a tight end capable of being an option for years to come. There is no debating that anywhere the franchise turns is going to be a downgrade from the legend of Kelce, but with limited options on the table, it appears Pitts is the best bet of securing the future and boosting the 2026 roster.
It makes sense for the Chiefs, and the Falcons are likely to heavily consider a deal rather than allow Pitts to walk away for nothing. London's contract extension simply drove this point home and cracked the door open just a bit further for the Chiefs to find an answer for life after Kelce.
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