The Kansas City Chiefs will likely need to replace some big offensive production in 2026, with a set of wide receivers set to hit free agency and tight end Travis Kelce contemplating his football future.
One NFL insider believes they will find some firepower in the NFL draft, adding a “dynamic” young receiver with big upside.
Chiefs Pegged to Add National Title Contender
USA Today’s John Dillon took a crack at an early mock draft for the Chiefs, who fell short of the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. While he predicted they would address the edge rushing group at the top of the draft, Dillon had the Chiefs taking Miami wide receiver C.J. Daniels in the third round.
“Daniels’ selection marks the Chiefs’ first entry into the pool of talented skill position players,” Dillon wrote. “Though he isn’t the top wide receiver in this class, Daniels has experience that could help make him a viable target for Patrick Mahomes next season.”
NFL Draft Buzz had some praise for the 6-foot-1 pass catcher, noting that he burst onto the college football scene in 2023 while at Liberty.
“CJ Daniels emerged as a dynamic playmaker at Liberty, culminating in a breakout 2023 campaign with 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns,” the pre-draft analysis noted. “The 6’1″, 195-pound wideout played four seasons for the Flames before transferring to LSU for his final year of eligibility. Daniels’ journey began at Parkview High School in Georgia, where he earned all-region honors and helped secure two regional titles.”
The analysis added that Daniels could emerge as a strong deep threat in the NFL — something the Chiefs lacked at times while their wide receiving corps dealt with injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent play.
“Explosive playmaker with the ability to stretch the field vertically – put up a 19.4 yards per catch average in 2023,” the site noted. “Demonstrates reliable hands and body control, consistently making catches away from his frame to maximize his catch radius.”
Travis Kelce’s Looming Decision
Kelce has not yet definitively said whether he plans to retire or return to the Chiefs, which would mean signing a new contract. The tight end mused about retirement last year but ultimately decided to return for 2025, a season that ended in disappointment as the Chiefs fell to 6-11.
While Kelce is considering his next move, some other former Chiefs players believe it could be time for him to retire. Retired All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles spoke told Chiefs Wireâs Ed Easton Jr. that he believes Kelce should hang up the cleats.
âI say you need to retire. Yeah, nothing to prove, no more. Man, (Youâre) number one tight end, sell his broadcast for a billion dollars,â Charles said. âMan, go enjoy your life â you won a couple of Super Bowls. I mean, thatâs more than anybody wishes can winâPro Bowls, All-Pro tight end. Youâre a Hall of Fame tight end.â
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