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By Jett Hatch
Contributing Sports Writer
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Kansas City begins contingency planning as Kelce’s long-term future remains uncertain.
As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate another pivotal offseason, teams around the league are keeping a close eye on the future of star tight end Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs are already making contingency plans should the future Hall-of-Famer step away from the game.
According to veteran NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Kansas City has met with Troy University tight end Ethan Conner as part of its offseason evaluation process. Conner, a prospect eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, has drawn interest from multiple franchises, including the Chiefs, as they look to bolster depth at tight end with Kelce in the later stage of his career and still undecided on his playing future.
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Wilson’s update on X (formerly Twitter) listed Conner among a group of tight ends, including meetings with several other NFL teams, highlighting leaguewide interest in the 6-foot-plus pass-catcher.
While Kelce has not announced any decision regarding retirement, his future with Kansas City remains a key storyline for the Chiefs this offseason. The 36-year-old tight end has previously said he will take time in the offseason to decide whether he wants to continue playing beyond his current contract, which is set to expire in 2026.
Conner’s recruitment underscores how Kansas City is preparing for a future potentially without one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history. In addition to Conner, the Chiefs have internal options like Noah Gray and others on their roster who could slide into larger roles if Kelce retires or sees his role reduced.
The meeting with Conner, along with broader league interest in the Troy product, illustrates a proactive approach by Chiefs personnel in scouting the next generation of pass-catchers. Whether this results in draft capital spent on a tight end or additional free-agent moves will become clearer as the offseason continues.
Travis Kelce’s decision, whether to return to the Chiefs for another season or step away from football, looms over Kansas City’s offseason plans. The organization has emphasized its desire for clarity before free agency and the draft process heats up this spring.
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