With Travis Kelce still weighing retirement, the Kansas City Chiefs may need a long-term plan at tight end sooner rather than later.

And one intriguing name has surfaced in trade speculation: Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions.

🔄 Why Would LaPorta Be Available?

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LaPorta was a second-round pick in 2023 and exploded onto the scene as a rookie:

• 889 receiving yards

• 10 touchdowns

• Pro Bowl selection

• Second-Team All-Pro honors

However, league insiders have quietly questioned whether Detroit can afford to extend all of its young stars from the 2023 draft class — including LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch.

In 2025, LaPorta’s production dipped to 489 yards and 3 touchdowns, partly due to back surgery and Detroit’s crowded offensive weaponry.

While a trade remains unlikely given Detroit’s win-now status, the financial squeeze could force tough decisions.

⏳ Chiefs Still Waiting on Kelce

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Kelce has yet to announce whether he’ll return for a 14th NFL season.

General manager Brett Veach recently said the team has contingency plans in place.

That raises the question:

Is one of those plans acquiring a proven young tight end like LaPorta?

Even if Kelce returns, pairing him with LaPorta could:

• Ease Kelce’s late-season workload

• Create matchup nightmares for defenses

• Allow LaPorta to develop within Andy Reid’s system

• Provide a seamless succession plan

For head coach Andy Reid, a two-tight-end set featuring both players could unlock new offensive wrinkles.

💰 What Would It Cost?

Kansas City holds six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft but is projected to receive a compensatory fifth-round selection for the loss of Tershawn Wharton.

Would a fifth-rounder be enough? Likely not.

A player of LaPorta’s caliber — still on a rookie contract — would probably command premium draft capital.

That’s the balancing act:

• Protect draft flexibility

• Prepare for life after Kelce

• Avoid overpaying in a tight cap environment

🧩 The Bigger Picture

LaPorta’s dip in production may be more circumstantial than permanent:

• Injury recovery

• Offensive target competition

• Detroit’s scheme adjustments

A fresh environment — especially in an offense led by Patrick Mahomes — could reignite his trajectory.

And if Kelce retires?

Kansas City would already have its successor in place.

🏁 Bottom Line

Right now, this is speculation — not an active trade rumor.

But with Kelce’s future unresolved and free agency approaching, the Chiefs must think proactively.

LaPorta fits the profile:

• Young

• Proven

• Under team control

• High ceiling

If Detroit ever entertains offers, Kansas City could be a logical suitor.

Because the hardest position to replace in Kansas City isn’t quarterback.

It’s tight end.