The Kansas City Chiefs will probably have a huge void to fill on their roster in the offseason. Travis Kelce is reportedly inching closer to retirement, and even if he doesn't, it won't be long before this team has to think about its tight end of the future.
There aren't many prime pass-catching tight ends in the game right now. However, there are several intriguing options with a high upside who might be much better in an improved situation, such as Chig Okonkwo. Fortunately for the Chiefs, it sounds like the Tennessee Titans free agent is already bidding farewell to Music City:
"Thank you Tennessee for allowing me to live out my childhood dreams! Playing in the NFL representing the Titans for the past 4 years has been an unbelievable privilege that I will never take for granted! Thank you Lord for keeping me safe and allowing me to play every game these past 4 years. Psalms 91 (praying hand emoji) luv ya Nashville," he wrote on X.
The Chiefs Should Consider Targeting Chig Okonkwo
While not the most prominent or popular tight end in the game, Okonkwo's game is much better than what most people might tell you because of his stats. He's been a victim of subpar quarterback play and offensive scheming for most of his career, but that shouldn't be an issue with Andy Reid calling the shots and Patrick Mahomes behind center.
He's a physical force of nature who excels as a blocker, but he makes his bread and butter with his ability to pile up yards after the catch. Travis Kelce made a living out of improvising his routes and finding gaps in the middle of the field, and while Okonkwo isn't there just yet, he'd also give Mahomes a potential big-play threat.
The 26-year-old is coming off posting career highs in receptions (79), targets (56), and receiving yards (560). He had two touchdown receptions, had a 70.9 percent catch success rate, and logged more than half of his yards after the catch (342).
Of course, there's no such thing as replacing Travis Kelce. No one can step in and replace a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. But, given the shortage of options and the fact that the Atlanta Falcons will probably spend big bucks to keep Kyle Pitts around, Chig Okonkwo might be a more realistic and cheaper target for GM Brett Veach and the Chiefs.