Can Chiefs Sign Kyle Pitts to Replace Travis Kelce Next Season?

Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts recorded 166 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.

Can Chiefs Sign Kyle Pitts to Replace Travis Kelce Next Season?

Travis Kelce, Kyle Pitts (Images via Rolling Stones/Draftkings Network)

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The Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was reportedly looking at retirement before Super Bowl LIX ruined his plans of a fitting end to his long-storied career. Kelce, who remained with the Chiefs amid the trying times, wanted one final season, which unfortunately didn’t pan out well.

After a Week 14 loss to the Houston Texans, the Chiefs are on the verge of an early playoff exit, potentially marking the end of ten consecutive postseasons. The 20-10 loss saw the Texans force three interceptions off Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes, including one that slipped out of his trusted teammate’s hands. The slip-up by Kelce reignited the already brewing retirement rumors, while Chiefs’ beat reporters and national media urged the franchise to consider and develop a tight end option beyond Kelce.

It won’t be easy to replace Kelce, who’s considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Kelce holds the league record for most postseason career receptions (174), seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end (7), and the fastest to reach 10,000 career receiving yards. Well, the Chiefs might have an answer in Kyle Pitts.

Pitts’ long-awaited breakout performance in the Atlanta Falcons’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has reignited conversation well beyond Atlanta. With Kelce’s inevitable retirement hanging in the backdrop made Pitts’ dominant showing in Tampa Bay was impossible to ignore.

In a stunning 29-28 road win over the Buccaneers, Pitts delivered the type of night that once made him one of the league’s most coveted young players. He finished with 11 receptions for 166 yards and all three of Kirk Cousins’ touchdown passes, consistently overwhelming Tampa Bay’s defense.

The performance placed Pitts in rare company, as he became the first tight end since Shannon Sharpe in 1996 to record at least 150 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a single game. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris made it clear that the outburst was no accident.

They entered the game intent on building the offense around Pitts, exploiting matchups, and forcing defensive adjustments. The results validated that approach. As highlights spread, one comment fueled Chiefs-related buzz. USA Today reporter Art Stapleton posted:

Chiefs are going to sign Kyle Pitts to replace Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes is going to turn him into Tony Gonzalez.

The Denver Broncos are also looking at Kyle Pitts to boost their receiving team

The Denver Broncos are expected to enter the offseason with ample cap flexibility. The ample flexibility is positioned to consider a major offensive investment without putting themselves under financial pressure. It also opens the door to exploring higher-end talent like Kyle Pitts rather than settling for incremental upgrades.

Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts (Image via Bleacher Report)

From a football standpoint, Pitts also checked important schematic boxes. His combination of speed, size, and advanced route-running fit naturally within Sean Payton’s offensive philosophy. Payton has historically thrived on versatile tight ends who create matchup problems across the middle of the field. Pitts’ skill set aligns with the type of player Payton has consistently featured as a focal point in the passing game.

Furthermore, the addition of Pitts would not require a complete reshaping of Denver’s offense. He could function alongside the Broncos’ current tight end options. His presence would also complement established weapons like Courtland Sutton, stretching defenses horizontally and vertically.

While tight end may not be Denver’s most pressing priority, Pitts represents a calculated bet on elite upside. Given the Broncos’ clean financial outlook, the risk is manageable, and the potential reward could significantly elevate the offense.

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