Top 3 Free-Agency Destinations for the Chiefs TE

It still feels strange to say, but Travis Kelce is facing free agency and could play outside of Kansas City for the first time in his career. Kelce is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and is a future Hall of Famer. More than that, he is Patrick Mahomes’ top target and is a key leader on the Chiefs.

At 36, his decision isn’t about money, but more about whether he still wants to compete and if he has the motivation to sign another contract. Here are the likeliest options:

1) Kansas City Chiefs

Before we can look at other realistic options for Kelce, we have to start with the obvious.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still the likeliest options. Kelce would not have to learn a new system or build chemistry with a new quarterback from scratch.

He and Mahomes have spent years turning broken plays into touchdowns and conversions. That kind of chemistry is special, and leaving Kansas City would jeopardize his already great career.

According to the PFSN NFL TE Impact Metric, Kelce finished the regular season as the 12th-best tight end in the league. His numbers prove that he can still play in the league, and the Chiefs would love to have him back.

Kansas City does have some salary cap issues, and the roster needs improvement. After missing the playoffs this past season, retaining Kelce is crucial. A shorter, team-friendly contract would make sense if he’s focused on winning, not money.

2) Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens always seem to be just one player short. If the Ravens can manage to pair Kelce with Lamar Jackson, then that would immediately give Baltimore a security blanket in the middle of the field. The All-Pro tight end wins with leverage and awareness, knowing exactly where the soft spot in coverage will open up.

That alone is incredibly beneficial for a quarterback. Baltimore is ready to win now. Their defense is tough, and their running game works anywhere. Adding a veteran tight end who’s played in the playoffs for years would make them even harder to beat in big games.

3) Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers would be the Wild Card, which makes them interesting. They have a newer coaching staff, and Kelce would go to the West Coast and play with Justin Herbert.

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Just imagine Kelce staying in the AFC West and playing against Kansas City twice a season. He would quickly become Justin Herbert’s most dependable target and elevate the Chargers’ offense. The Chargers have talent, but they’ve missed having a consistent tight end that defenses have to plan for every week.

The Bottom Line

Kelce’s free agency relies on one question: Does he want one more run?

If the answer is yes, the Chiefs remain the most logical destination. If he wants something different without stepping away from contention, Baltimore or even Los Angeles could make sense.