NFL Analyst Labels Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Untouchable in Latest Chiefs Trade Debate

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are cornerstones of the Kansas City Chiefs and is likely they will end their NFL careers at KC.

NFL Analyst Labels Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Untouchable in Latest Chiefs Trade Debate

Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

Both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are cornerstones of the Kansas City Chiefs. Since teaming up back in 2018 (Mahomes’ first year as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback), the duo played in five Super Bowls, winning on three occasions. In addition, Mahomes won the Super Bowl’s best player award three times and the league MVP twice.

Kelce, in the meantime, broke Hall of Famer Jerry Rice‘s record of most receptions. With 178 playoff catches, Kelce leads all receivers in league history. The remarkable part is that Kelce is not a receiver but a tight end.

Earlier this year, the 36-year-old announced that he is returning for a 14th season to play for the Chiefs. Finishing his career with a 6-11 season did not sit right with him. That’s why he’s coming back to finish the job he and Mahomes started in 2024, winning franchise’s fourth ring.

Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated recently compiled a list of NFL players who are long shots to get traded. Mahomes and Kelce made that list.

After mulling retirement, [Travis] Kelce signed an extension with the Chiefs last month that will bring him back to Kansas City for a 14th NFL season—and sets up the 2026 campaign to potentially be his last. If a trade out of K.C. was ever pursued, the tight end would likely call it quits before the paperwork was even filed.

Mike Kadlick wrote

This only implies that the Chiefs view Mahomes and Kelce as untouchables. For example, before Kelce made his intentions clear about extending his journey with the Chiefs, veteran league experts like Craig Carton linked Kelce with the New York Giants.

Rumor is that Travis Kelce wants to come back for another year… Kelce wants to play for the NY [New York] Giants! He and his wife [fiancee Taylor Swift] can live in NYC! It’s just a rumor [but] do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce.

Carton said on his show

Of course, fans downplayed Carton’s report. Seeing Kelce play for a team other than the Chiefs late in his career seemed a far-fetched idea. Kelce put an end to all the rumors by signing a three-year extension with KC.

As for Mahomes, he is entering the fifth year of his 10-year, $450 million deal (recently restructured) and is more than likely to finish his career as the Chiefs’ signal caller.

[Patrick Mahomes] is already a surefire Hall of Famer and has set himself up to be in the GOAT conversation when it’s all said and done.

Kadlick wrote

Mahomes is recovering from an ACL injury that ended his season early last year. According to head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes’ rehab is coming along smoothly, and he remains on course to start in week one.

So far, it’s all been positive. He’s doing great.

Coach Andy Reid said via Nate Taylor of ESPN

NFL insider is convinced that Patrick Mahomes will start for the Chiefs in week one of the 2026 NFL season

Mahomes tore his ACL and MCL during the Chiefs’ narrow defeat against rivals Los Angeles Chargers toward the back end of the 2025 season. Without wasting any time, Mahomes underwent surgery to start the rehab process.

NFL Analyst Labels Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Untouchable in Latest Chiefs Trade Debate
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

It takes roughly nine to eleven months for an athlete to recover from an ACL reconstruction. Of course, the timeline varies from player to player. However, Mahomes’ recovery speed is incredible. Just a few months after the surgery, he began doing light training with his personal trainer.

Around this time, the Chiefs traded for Justin Fields from the New York Jets as an insurance policy in case Mahomes fails to complete his rehab. However, veteran NFL voice Rich Eisen is convinced that Mahomes will be ready.

He’s starting week 1… Why else would Mahomes put that video out other than to say I am working hard and I will be back in week one.

Rich Eisen said on his namesake show

Mahomes played 14 games in 2025, posting a 6-8 record. He threw 315 completions for 3587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. To improve his game further, the Chiefs brought back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.

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