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ESPN Analyst Suggests Chiefs Should Move On From Travis Kelce
Tannenbaum believes the veteran tight end is slowing down and the team should focus on the future.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:55pm
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ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum has offered a surprising take on the future of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Tannenbaum believes the Chiefs should move on from the veteran, arguing that they need to focus on the next young tight end rather than paying Kelce for what he has done in the past. While Kelce was still productive last season, leading the team in several key offensive categories, Tannenbaum feels the 14-year veteran is starting to slow down and the Chiefs would be better off honoring his past accomplishments and transitioning to a younger player at the position.
Why it matters
Kelce is a future Hall of Famer and has been a key part of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade. His potential departure would be a major shift for the team and could impact their offensive plans and strategy going forward. Tannenbaum's comments also highlight the difficult decisions teams sometimes have to make when it comes to aging stars and balancing the present with the future.
The details
Despite a down year overall for the Chiefs in 2025, Kelce still led the team in targets, yards, receptions, and was tied for the lead in touchdowns. However, Tannenbaum believes Kelce is starting to slow down and the Chiefs would be better off focusing on bringing in the next young tight end this offseason. Tannenbaum suggests Kelce could potentially return in 2026 to mentor the new tight end, before allowing the younger player to take over the starting role in 2027.
- Tannenbaum made his comments on ESPN's Get Up show on February 23, 2026.
The players
Travis Kelce
A future Hall of Fame tight end who has spent his entire 13-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Tannenbaum
An ESPN analyst and former NFL executive who previously served as the general manager of the New York Jets.
Andy Reid
The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
What they’re saying
“I wouldn't do it and that's when you're in the front office and you're the head coach, you have to make the honest and sober observation that you're going to pay a player for what they're going to do, not what they've done. He is slowing down. Honor Travis Kelce for what he's done, but go get the next young tight end.”
— Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
What’s next
The Chiefs will have to decide in the coming months whether to bring Kelce back for the 2026 season or move on to a younger option at tight end.
The takeaway
Tannenbaum's comments highlight the difficult decisions teams sometimes have to make when it comes to aging stars. While Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade, the team may need to prioritize the future and transition to a younger tight end, even if it means parting ways with a future Hall of Famer.
