In a surprising twist, Mike Tannenbaum, former NFL front-office executive and now ESPN analyst, stirred the pot on Monday by suggesting the Kansas City Chiefs should part ways with their legendary tight end, Travis Kelce, before the 2026 season kicks off.
Kelce's future with the Chiefs has become a hot topic this offseason, fueled by questions about his recent production, his age, and the franchise’s evolving roster needs. This moment is pivotal, marking a potential turning point for one of the NFL's most successful teams in recent history.
Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ dynasty, boasting 11 Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl rings. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet; he's been a leader in the locker room, a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, and a global ambassador for the sport.
Letting go of Kelce would undoubtedly signal a seismic shift for the Chiefs.
Tannenbaum's argument is clear: the Chiefs should look forward, not backward. “I wouldn’t do it,” he stated. “In the front office, you have to pay a player for what they’re going to do, not what they’ve done.”
He highlighted the league’s trend toward younger tight ends, mentioning rising stars like Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and Sam LaPorta. Tannenbaum also noted promising talent in the draft, such as Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, and Michael Trigg, urging the Chiefs to find the next big thing. He emphasized the need to address other positions like tackle, running back, and receiver.
Kelce’s 2025 season saw him rack up 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 76 catches, placing him fourth among tight ends in yards and sixth in receptions. However, these numbers do show a decline from his peak years, with his receptions dropping from 97 in 2024 to 76 last season, and falling short of 900 receiving yards for the second consecutive year after an impressive streak of seven 1,000-yard seasons.
At 36, Tannenbaum argues that the Chiefs should focus on injecting youth and explosiveness into the position, rather than banking on a veteran whose prime has passed.
Yet, with Mahomes expected to miss a significant portion of the 2026 season due to a torn ACL and LCL, releasing a dependable veteran like Kelce could pose significant short-term risks. The decision Kansas City faces is a tough one, balancing the need for fresh talent with the stability and experience Kelce provides.