The Kansas City Chiefs are facing an identity crisis on offense, with Travis Kelce’s future uncertain whether he decides to play in 2025 or not. While releasing Kelce would save $17.2 million in cap space, it wouldn’t be the solution, as he’s too valuable and important to the team.
The Chiefs’ success over the past few years has been impressive, but their offense has stalled. After trading Tyreek Hill, the team’s ADOT decreased significantly, and Patrick Mahomes’ performance suffered. In 2022, Mahomes had his best season, but his ADOT was still 23rd, and in 2023, it dropped to 30th.
The main problem is the overreliance on Kelce, who has been targeted 254 times in the past two years, while Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have been underutilized. The Chiefs need to change their offense and incorporate new receivers into the mix.
General manager Brett Veach needs to focus on fixing the team’s issues at left tackle. With an estimated $50-60 million available for extensions, restructures, or free agency signings, he can address this problem. Options include signing guard Joe Thuney, restructuring Mahomes’ deal, and shopping for a left tackle in free agency.
The Chiefs need to rediscover their explosive offense, which was key to their success before the departure of Tyreek Hill. They must also overhaul their running back situation, with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Samaje Perine all set to become free agents. The draft class offers opportunities for the team to address these issues.
Ultimately, Kelce’s decision is secondary to the larger task of rebuilding the offense. If the Chiefs want to maintain their dynasty status, they need to make significant changes to their identity crisis-ridden offense.
Source: https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs-facing-identity-crisis-on-offense-travis-kelce