Last yr, Travis Kelce had the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ entrance workplace sweating with uncertainty over whether or not he would hold up his cleats. It wasn’t till after their Tremendous Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that he confirmed he’d return for yet one more season, hoping to redeem a lackluster efficiency and pursue one other championship in 2026.
Now, it appears all indicators level to Kelce calling it quits after this season. The legendary tight finish is anticipated to step away from the NFL and embrace a life extra immersed in pop culture-alongside his accomplice, world music icon Taylor Swift.
Travis Kelce might be arrange in a well-intentioned lure by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs
A goodbye that may break Kansas Metropolis’s coronary heart
Even when the farewell is introduced effectively prematurely, it will not reduce the ache for Chiefs followers. With tears more likely to accompany his closing video games, they’ll watch a franchise icon take his closing snaps-a participant who has left an simple legacy not solely in Kansas Metropolis however throughout the league.
With Patrick Mahomes nonetheless in his prime, the time is now for Chiefs executives to start out making ready for what comes subsequent.
In line with Anthony Palacios of Final Phrase on Sports activities, the perfect alternative may already be within the division: Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Michael Mayer, who may arrive by way of commerce.
Kelce is in search of vengeance, however he will not final for greater than a yr, so they should begin planning for the long run. Mahomes does effectively bringing out the very best in a goal, and despite the fact that Mayer hasn’t discovered his footing but, he may change issues round in his profession with probably the most full groups within the league,
Palacios wrote.
Mayer might be a strategic acquisition for the Chiefs, providing each safety for Mahomes and the flexibility to execute the explosive performs which have develop into a trademark of their offense
Extensively regarded by some consultants as the very best tight finish prospect within the 2023 draft class, Mayer’s potential stays excessive. Below the steerage of Andy Reid-who’s confirmed again and again that he is aware of learn how to maximize talent-Mayer is perhaps precisely what Kansas Metropolis wants as Kelce’s eventual successor.
However buying him will not be simple
Any potential deal would contain prying Mayer away from a division rival, and the Raiders could be understandably reluctant to strengthen the very staff they’re making an attempt to dethrone.
Although a commerce negotiation would possible be powerful, even contentious, Mayer appears definitely worth the effort. His arrival may present an instantaneous increase to the Chiefs’ offense and guarantee a smoother transition as soon as Kelce departs.
Now the query stays: will Kansas Metropolis’s entrance workplace see the identical worth in Mayer that others already do? As a result of from the skin trying in, he seems to be the lacking piece for the Chiefs’ close to future.