Chiefs Fans, Prepare for Liftoff: Signing Travis Kelce’s Replacement is the Move That Will Spark a Championship Run
The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves after their Super Bowl disaster as attention now turns to the offseason and rebuilding the roster.
There are a few areas that need to be addressed, such as defensive tackle and offensive line, but with Travis Kelce seemingly having one foot out the NFL door and contemplating retirement, tight end also looms as a potential need.
Noah Gray is the next to step up, but can he deliver the same production in the passing game as Kelce? Doubtful. Jared Wiley and Peyton Hendershot are the others on the roster right now, and no one really inspires confidence.
But CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan has another name in mind – New Orleans Saints’ Juwan Johnson.
“One that would be fascinating to see injected into the K.C. offense and paired with Patrick Mahomes is Saints tight end Juwan Johnson,” Sullivan writes. “Over the past few seasons, the former undrafted free agent out of Oregon has flashed freak athletic ability despite inconsistent quarterback play. Putting that talent in the hands of Andy Reid and with Mahomes throwing him the football, Johnson could catapult his production.”
Johnson was a solid contributor for the Saints in 2024, totaling 548 (career-high) yards and three touchdowns from 50 receptions. Plus, he is a free agent and wouldn’t break the bank for the Chiefs to sign him.
According to Spotrac.com, Johnson’s market value is $10 APY, which isn’t huge, but given his age, it might be a sticking point.
Even if Kelce does stick around in 2025, getting in another tight end whether that be like Johnson via free agency or someone in the draft, putting the steps in place for when Kelce does hang up the cleats is a smart move.
