Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends of his generation, and that’s not up for debate. What is up for debate is just how long Kelce will stay in the NFL. He’s obviously here for at least one more season, but nobody knows if Kelce, who will be 36 years old this fall, will sign on for yet another season after that.

It will be weird to see the Chiefs on the field without Kelce, whenever that happens. But, it’s time to start planning for the future of the position for Kansas City now and not wait.

While the Chiefs are always a team to think ahead, they haven’t really pinpointed an eventual replacement for Kelce. It would be helpful to have that replacement ready for the team when Kelce is still in the fold, too, to learn from the best.

So, it’s likely on the minds of those in the Chiefs’ camp to find a budding tight end who, eventually, could step in for Kelce.

GettyCole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears on the field.

NFC North Tight End Could Be a Fit With the Chiefs

In a June 21 feature for Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox lays out some NFL players who could be on the latest trade block.

One of the main players featured is Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. He’s been a big part of the Bears over the past five years and has appeared in 84 regular-season games during his time with the team, mainly starting. Kmet has locked in roughly 2,600 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 258 catches during his five-year NFL career and could be a fantastic tight end to support Kelce. Kmet, 26, could also even be Kelce’s successor.

The Bears might be willing to part with Kmet, too, since they have a new head coach in Ben Johnson, who is trying to shape a new team with fresh players.

Knox says that he believes the Chiefs could be a good fit with Kmet. “The Kansas City Chiefs should also consider taking a flier on Kmet if he’s available,” Knox states. “Travis Kelce is still holding down the starting job, but he’ll turn 36 in October. The Chiefs could view Kmet as a potential successor to Kelce and a great complementary option behind Kelce, along with Noah Gray.”

GettyCole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears talking to the press.

He adds that “it’s worth noting Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy coached Kmet for two seasons in Chicago.”

A negative, of course, is that Kmet is currently on a $50 million contract with the Bears, and he still have three seasons left on the deal. So, that could get sticky. But, this could make for an epic trade and bring some new life to the Chiefs.

Knox also names the Chiefs’ OL Wanya Morris as a possible trade candidate, putting him on the honorable mention tally.

Congratulations Are in Order for Kelce

In other Kelce news, on Sunday, June 22, Kelce was named the winner of “The Outstanding Leadership Award” by the Won’t Quit Foundation by the State of Ohio and the city of Cleveland.

“This award honors individuals who exemplify extraordinary commitment, compassion, and service,” State Representative Darnell T. Brewer stated regarding the award.

Brewer added, “It recognizes those who go above and beyond to uplift their community, inspire their peers, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.”