FRISCO - The Kansas City Chiefs are now in the thick of the offseason, having found some answers to the questions facing them earlier in the offseason. Free agency has also aided in giving them a early vision for next year's roster with regard to the gains, returns and losses.
But the most pertinent question pressing the team immediately following the end of the 2024 season surrounded the decision of tight end Travis Kelce's future. Kelce had left open the possibility for retirement but has decided to return to Kansas City for one more season.
Despite a down year overall, Kelce has still shown flashes of big time contributions. He will remain a focal point of the offense next season.
Regardless, it is never too early to start looking ahead as an NFL team and being prepared to adapt. When the Chiefs ultimately move on from Kelce, there will be a major void to fill on that side of the ball, even with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid still around.
Fox Sports NFL analyst Danny Parkins acknowledged this and believes there is a possibility the Chiefs move quickly in the 2025 NFL Draft to put plans for their future into action.
"This is the last year of Kelce, he's made it clear..." he said on "The Colin Cowherd Podcast." "But I could see the Chiefs trading up in the first round for a tackle. I could see that happening, or a tight end, yes, like, I just think I can see a big draft day move for the Chiefs to try to inject a blue chip offensive player."
The Chiefs currently hold the No. 31 pick, but there are several highly touted players at the position that they would want to move up for in order to secure them. Colston Loveland out of Michigan and Penn State's Tyler Warren headline this class and could be among that early selection contingent.
If they decide to make such a transaction, Kansas City would be setting course for a major power move as the offense retools for next season.
Andy Reid's offense utilizes multiple tight ends, but Kelce has remained the primary downfield threat for years. Loveland or Warren have the capacity to replace that playmaking.
Related: Taylor Swift 'Eras' Announcement Pushes Romance Back in the Headlines
In turn, that potential addition not only provides Kansas City a security plan for the future, but also a formidable threat that upgrades an offense that already proved their worth in the battleground of an AFC gauntlet.
But landing one of those players may require them working their way up the board, a venture they may not feel inclined to take on, especially with the options available in later rounds.
The Chiefs will not remain content with their current pass catching group though and any draft day move that elevates the quality of this offense should come as no surprise for a team constantly in the title chase.
Related: Are Chiefs Risking Patrick Mahomes?
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM.