Chiefs’ Future Without Kelce? Colin Cowherd Pushes for a Major Offseason Move
Sports analyst Colin Cowherd recommends that the Kansas City Chiefs should break ties with legendary tight end Travis Kelce now that he approaches the end of his professional playing career.
Colin Cowherd’s Argument for a “Clean Break”
During his recent appearance on The Herd Colin Cowherd stated the current offseason might work best for the Chiefs to let Kelce move on. According to his analysis teams frequently maintain hold of past-star athletes until their performance reaches a point which disrupts sustained team success.
According to Cowherd the Chiefs should use this season to break relations with Kelce. The top tight end position belongs to him because he owns significant financial assets and multiple game possibilities. Teams display one of their biggest errors when they continue to hold aging athletes in football and basketball throughout their last playing stages.
Cowherd emphasized that the 2025 NFL Draft features numerous talented tight ends thus presenting Kansas City with an excellent opportunity to choose Kelce’s successor. According to Cowherd the Chiefs should leverage the upcoming draft to select a replacement since Kelce receives top dollars while the team requires immediate attention on the offensive line.
The Financial and Football Realities
The Kansas City Chiefs have Kelce contracted through 2025 but he will receive a $11.5 million roster bonus on March 14. His current term contains a $19 million annual cap which does not kick in until the next season and he will join the free agency in 2023. At age 35 Kansas City should weigh the value of retaining Kelce based on his current age-related performance decline.
Kelce demonstrates scarce signs about his retirement plans. The Kansas City Chiefs tightly relied on Travis Kelce even though he had a reduced output during their Super Bowl LII defeat to Philadelphia Eagles when he caught four passes for a total of 39 receiving yards.
Is it possible for the Kansas City Chiefs to easily fill the position left by Kelce?
The search for a tight end replacement for Kelce proves difficult in practice despite being an easy suggestion. The top-rated tight end prospect Tyler Warren from Penn State will be selected before the Kansas City Chiefs pick during the first round. The NFL experience for first-year tight ends remains marginal which makes it unlikely that the Chiefs could easily substitute Kelce with their rookie draft pick.
The Chiefs view their offensive line weaknesses as their main organizational priority at this time. Dan Zaksheske from OutKick anticipates Kansas City will select cornerback Shavon Revel with their first-round pick because they may choose to focus on defensive needs instead of tight end in case Kelce returns to play another season.
The Verdict: Should the Chiefs Move On?
The arguments against teams’ long-term commitment with aging stars do not apply to Kelce because he represents an exceptional tight end. The Chiefs cannot find a substitute for Mahomes-Kelce synergy so they should continue their relationship due to his productive performance.
The Chiefs continue preparing for life beyond Kelce’s career but holding onto him should remain their current strategy since his retirement is not clear. The city of Kansas City should establish a planned transition timeline instead of using a complete abrupt termination plan.
