Veteran Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is back with his 14th NFL season, but the clock is already ticking on finding a successor.

The Chiefs have locked in a three-year extension worth around $54.73 million. For 2026, it essentially plays out as a one-year deal, carrying a $12 million cash payout with a relatively modest $4.9 million cap hit, giving the Chiefs both flexibility and control moving forward.

But Chiefs general manager Brett  Veach could execute a draft night swap to acquire a proven Pro Bowl commodity from the NFC North. This step can change the offensive expectations for next season while protecting their core.

“FoxSports MOCK trade sends Sam Laporta to the Chiefs 👀” SleeperChiefs X post read on Sunday.

The trade secures Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta and the 17th overall pick in 2026. Detroit receives the ninth overall selection this year alongside a 2027 fourth-round pick in return.

This exchange makes perfect sense on paper for a team targeting another  Super Bowl ring.

With Kelce turning 37 this year, his performance not being able to reach 1,000 receiving yards over the past three seasons, and a switch from 97 receptions in 2024 to 76 receptions last year, the Chiefs cannot take a risk in the upcoming season.

LaPorta brings youth, explosive playmaking ability, and good receiving production with an overall PFF grade of 82, and completed the last season with 489 yards and three touchdowns.

With Kelce's presence, the 25-year-old will be able to refine his raw skills into professional-level ability.

While this specific scenario is just a prediction, it forces a very real conversation about other players who can take the tight end role in the Chiefs.

Who Else Can be Kelce's Successor?

To replace one of the best tight ends in the NFL is not an easy task.

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach quietly kept a potential option on injured reserve last season.

Jake Briningstool joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2025 but missed the year with a preseason hamstring injury. Instead of releasing him, the team kept him around, showing clear trust in his game.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound tight end had a strong record at Clemson, recording 127 receptions for 1,380 yards and 17 touchdowns in 48 games, while setting the school record for catches by a tight end.

Another option the Chiefs can go for is Kenyon Sadiq, a rising draft prospect. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine and recorded 80 catches for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns over three seasons.

Draft analyst Mel Kiper recently called Sadiq “a weapon,” highlighting his ability to impact games.

But do you think any of the Prospects will be able to take over the impact that Kelce has had for years? Let us know! Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote