Chiefs Could Replace Travis Kelce Using Bold NFL Draft Trade

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their second consecutive Super Bowl victory in 2023, are looking ahead to ensure continued success. Despite their recent triumphs, there are emerging concerns about the age and future contributions of NFL star tight end Travis Kelce, who turns 35 in October, and Rashee Rice’s uncertain status.

This has led to discussions about bolstering their offensive weaponry to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

NFL.com’s Tom Blair has floated a bold strategy for the Chiefs: executing a blockbuster trade to draft tight end Brock Bowers in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bowers, a standout player, could potentially be a high-impact successor to Kelce.

“The 34-year-old Kelce won’t be around to anchor the offense forever,” Blair notes, suggesting that acquiring a player like Bowers could be a strategic move for Kansas City.

Blair’s proposal details a significant trade where the Chiefs would move up from the 32nd to the 9th pick in the draft, a position currently held by the Chicago Bears. The suggested trade would involve the Chiefs relinquishing a considerable amount of draft capital: their 2024 first and second-round picks, a fourth-round pick, and an additional first-round pick in 2025.

Securing Bowers would address the gap left by Kelce’s eventual departure and allow Bowers the luxury of developing under Kelce’s mentorship without the immediate pressure to perform.

While costly in terms of draft picks, this scenario aligns with the Chiefs’ pattern of aggressive moves to maintain a high-performance team around Mahomes.

The idea of trading up for a marquee player like Bowers or potentially a top receiver like Rome Odunze if available, reflects the Chiefs’ proactive approach to team building, always with an eye on both the present and the future of their franchise.