Chiefs could secure Travis Kelce successor through bold trade for Lions star
· Yahoo Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs brought Travis Kelce back on a one-year, $12 million deal for the 2026-27 season. That buys the franchise some time, but it does not answer the bigger question looming over the position.
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Kelce and Patrick Mahomes built one of the most dangerous connections in NFL history. Their chemistry shaped multiple championship runs and turned the tight end into a Hall of Fame lock.
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But Father Time doesn’t negotiate, and Kansas City’s front office knows a transition is coming. The Chiefs could target a young tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft or look at a proven veteran who can eventually fill Kelce’s massive shoes.
Chiefs could trade for Lions’ Sam LaPorta as Travis Kelce’s successor
One name that could pick up steam in trade speculation is Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions. A potential deal could work if both teams swap first-round picks in the 2026 draft, dropping Kansas City from No. 9 to No. 17.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam Laporta ahead of Cincinnati Bengals game in 2025 season.The Chiefs would likely need to throw in a fifth-round pick in 2026 or 2027 to balance things out. It’s not a cheap move, but LaPorta brings serious upside. He’s younger, already productive, and could grow even more in Andy Reid’s system.
LaPorta is recovering from back surgery and entering the final year of his rookie contract, which creates some uncertainty. Detroit also juggled a crowded list of young players due for extensions, so moving LaPorta is not out of the question.
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For Kansas City, he wouldn’t be a reset at the position. Before the injury, LaPorta operated as Detroit’s clear No. 1 tight end. His numbers back that up. 186 receptions, 2,104 yards, and 20 touchdowns across 42 games.
Replacing Kelce is no easy task. Asking a rookie to step in and deliver right away carries risk. LaPorta offers a smoother transition without breaking the bank. Kansas City gets a dependable presence who can handle the workload while the offense adjusts to life after Kelce.