Chiefs Eyeing Potential Kelce Successor

Team explores options to replace star tight end after his retirement announcement.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:39pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are actively searching for a replacement for veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who recently announced his plans to retire after the 2026 NFL season. The team is evaluating several potential options to fill the void left by Kelce's departure, including both draft prospects and free agent signings.

Why it matters

Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade, making the Pro Bowl 8 times. Finding a suitable replacement will be crucial for the team to maintain their offensive firepower and continue competing at a high level in the AFC.

The details

The Chiefs are reportedly considering several tight end prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, as well as monitoring the free agent market for veteran players who could step in and contribute immediately. The team is looking for a well-rounded tight end who can both block effectively and serve as a reliable pass-catching option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

  • Kelce announced his plans to retire after the 2026 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in the coming months, providing the Chiefs an opportunity to find Kelce's successor.

The players

Travis Kelce

An 8-time Pro Bowl tight end who has been a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense for over a decade.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback, who will need a reliable tight end target to continue the team's offensive success.

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What they’re saying

“Replacing a player of Kelce's caliber is no easy task, but we're confident we can find the right fit to keep our offense humming.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Chiefs will closely evaluate tight end prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft and monitor the free agent market for potential veteran additions to replace Kelce.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' search for Kelce's successor highlights the challenge of replacing an all-time great player, but the team's track record of offensive success suggests they will find a capable replacement to maintain their status as a Super Bowl contender.