The Kansas City Chiefs have made a bold move by locking in Travis Kelce for his 14th season in the NFL. The star tight end has been a crucial part of the Chiefs’ success in recent years and there’s no doubt that he will continue to play a primary role in the team’s offense. However, there are some who believe that the Chiefs should have a solid contingency plan in place for when Kelce eventually decides to retire. One former Chiefs quarterback has even pitched an ideal successor for Kelce with the No.9 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Kelce has been a dominant force on the field since he joined the Chiefs in 2013. He has consistently been one of the top tight ends in the league and has shattered numerous records along the way. Last season, he became the first tight end in NFL history to record five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He also holds the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,416 yards in 2020. It’s safe to say that Kelce has solidified his place as one of the best tight ends in the game.
However, at 31 years old, Kelce is not getting any younger. While he has shown no signs of slowing down, it’s only natural for the Chiefs to start thinking about the future. This is where the idea of a contingency plan comes into play. The Chiefs need to have a plan in place for when Kelce eventually decides to hang up his cleats. And according to former Chiefs quarterback, Trent Green, that plan should involve drafting a tight end with the No.9 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Green, who played for the Chiefs from 2001 to 2006, recently shared his thoughts on the matter. He believes that the Chiefs should use their first-round pick to draft Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Green described Pitts as a “special talent” and believes that he would be the perfect successor for Kelce. “He’s a guy that can do a lot of different things. He can line up in the slot, he can line up outside, he can line up in the backfield. He’s a matchup nightmare for defenses,” Green said.
Pitts has been one of the most talked-about prospects in this year’s draft class. He had a standout season at Florida, recording 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games. He has been compared to Kelce and other elite tight ends in the league, and many believe that he has the potential to be even better. If the Chiefs were to draft him, he would have the opportunity to learn from Kelce and eventually take over as the team’s primary tight end.
While some may argue that the Chiefs have more pressing needs to address in the draft, it’s hard to ignore the potential of having a player like Pitts on the team. He could provide a seamless transition for the Chiefs when Kelce eventually retires and could potentially elevate the team’s offense to even greater heights. Plus, with the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, Pitts would have the opportunity to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s success.
Of course, this is all just speculation at this point. The Chiefs may have a different plan in mind for the draft and may not even be considering drafting a tight end in the first round. But one thing is for sure, the Chiefs need to start thinking about the future and having a solid contingency plan in place. And with the talent and potential of players like Kyle Pitts, it’s hard to argue against the idea of drafting a tight end with the No.9 pick.
In the end, it’s clear that Travis Kelce will continue to be a vital part of the Chiefs’ success for the foreseeable future. But it’s also important for the team to start planning for the future and having a solid backup plan in place. Whether that involves drafting a tight end like Kyle Pitts or not, one thing is certain – the Chiefs are in good hands with Kelce leading the way. And with the right plan in place, they can continue to dominate the NFL for years to come.
