NFL RUMORS: ESPN SUGGESTS CHIEFS PURSUE BOMBSHELL LIONS TRADE FOR TRAVIS KELCE REPLACEMENT

KANSAS CITY, MO – FEBRUARY 26, 2026: As rumors continue to swirl around Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and his potential retirement, it’s clear that the team could be preparing for life after their All-Pro tight end. The Chiefs’ front office is already planning for the possibility of replacing Kelce, who has been the cornerstone of their offense for years. While the team is taking a cautious approach with Kelce’s future, ESPN’s latest report hints at a bombshell trade that could provide the Chiefs with a long-term successor to their star tight end.

ESPN’s Bold Idea: Chiefs Target Sam LaPorta

In ESPN’s latest trade candidate rankings, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta comes in as the eighth player on the list. Analysts Benjamin Solak and Dan Graziano discussed the potential trade scenario, noting that LaPorta could be a valuable asset for teams looking for a dynamic young tight end. Despite some struggles after undergoing back surgery, LaPorta remains one of the most exciting talents at the position. His rookie season in 2023, where he posted 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showed his promise. Although his numbers dipped in 2025 (with 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns), LaPorta’s potential is undeniable.

What makes this situation more intriguing is that LaPorta has only one year remaining on his contract with the Lions. With Detroit looking to extend several of their young core players, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch, the team may face difficult decisions about which players to retain. Some analysts are suggesting that a trade for LaPorta could be on the horizon if the Lions can’t strike a deal to extend him.

Why the Chiefs Could Be a Perfect Fit for LaPorta

Kansas City, in the midst of a busy offseason following their missed playoff run, finds itself facing an uncertain future at the tight end position. While the Chiefs are still waiting to see if Kelce will retire in the near future, his eventual departure is looming. Sam LaPorta is seen as a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ offense, which has always relied on a dynamic tight end to make plays in both the passing game and as a blocker.

In the ESPN report, Solak noted that while LaPorta’s back surgery and decline in production might raise some concerns, he remains a top-tier talent with a lot of upside. His potential is something that teams like the Chiefs, who need to secure a long-term successor to Kelce, could not ignore. Given that LaPorta’s value is still high, ESPN speculates that Kansas City could be in the market to make a deal, especially if they believe Kelce’s future is uncertain.

The Lions’ Dilemma: A Trade for LaPorta?

The Lions’ situation with LaPorta is complicated. As Graziano points out, Detroit has a host of players coming up for contract extensions, including LaPorta, Gibbs, Campbell, and Branch. This could create a scenario where the Lions are forced to make tough choices about who to keep, and trading LaPorta could be an option to avoid paying a hefty price for his extension. While the odds of LaPorta being traded are currently low (with ESPN putting it at only 10 percent), the situation remains fluid, and if the Lions can’t make the financials work, they may have no choice but to part with their promising tight end.

The Chiefs’ Tight End Search

For the Chiefs, finding a tight end to eventually replace Travis Kelce has been a topic of discussion for some time now. The Kansas City offense has been built around Kelce’s unique skill set, which blends elite route running, strong hands, and the ability to create mismatches against defenses. Sam LaPorta could bring a similar set of skills to Kansas City, with the added benefit of youth and upside.

If the Chiefs do indeed make a move for LaPorta, they would be adding a player who could step into the role and potentially make an immediate impact in Andy Reid’s high-powered offense. LaPorta’s ability to be a factor in both the passing and run game would make him an excellent fit for the system, where tight ends are often asked to contribute in multiple ways.

The Franchise Tag Option for Kelce

As the situation continues to unfold, the franchise tag could be an option for Travis Kelce if the team is uncertain about his future. The tag would allow the Chiefs to retain Kelce for at least one more season, buying them time to evaluate his health and performance before making a long-term decision. This could also give the Chiefs more time to develop a potential successor, whether that’s through the draft, free agency, or a trade for a player like LaPorta.

Conclusion: Will the Chiefs Make a Move?

As the offseason continues, all eyes will be on the Kansas City Chiefs and their next steps at the tight end position. With Travis Kelce’s future in question and Sam LaPorta potentially available, it’s clear that the Chiefs could be eyeing a move to secure a long-term option at tight end. While a trade for LaPorta may not happen immediately, it’s a situation worth monitoring closely.

If the Chiefs decide to make a move for LaPorta, they could be acquiring one of the most exciting young tight ends in the league, while also preparing for the future without Kelce. As the 2026 NFL offseason progresses, expect the tight end market to heat up, with the Chiefs possibly at the center of some major discussions.