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Travis Kelce Reveals Advice to Chiefs on 2025 Roster Changes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 11:07 AM ET

Already here in the early stages of the 2025 NFL offseason, we've seen the Kansas City Chiefs make some surprising moves. They franchise-tagged offensive lineman Trey Smith, a guy many thought the team would lose in free agency and, in a stunning deal, traded away Pro Bowler Joe Thuney, one of the best left guards in the game.

It's a bold strategy for the Chiefs, no doubt. But in sizing up what the 2025 NFL offseason should look like for Kasnas City, star tight end Travis Kelce made no bones about it: Change is required.

The Chiefs went 15-2 last year but were drubbed and outmanned in the Super Bowl, a 40-22 loss to the Eagles.

Speaking on the "New Heights" podcast he does with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce advocated for a change in "pieces."

"We’ve gotta get some pieces," Kelce said. "I think, 100%, this offseason, we’re stuck trying to kinda juggle some contract negotiations and losing some key pieces and I mean, that hurts. We’ve got a lot of guys we rely on, that we have relied on big-time in the past that have helped us win Super Bowls that are in contract negotiations."

Smith was one of those. Running backs Kareen Hunt and Samaje Perine are also free agents, as is in-season acquisition DeAndre Hopkins and fellow receiver Hollywood Brown. The defensive line is largely up for new contracts, too, and the Chiefs could well suffer a big loss in linebacker Nick Bolton.

The Chiefs may have to choose between keeping Bolton and defensive back Justin Reid, also a free agent.

Kelce said he ultimately has faith in the front office to make the right calls, in terms of adding talent and not distubring chemistry.

"I know I’ve always trusted Brett Veach and the front office and the coaches to bring in the right guys," Kelce said, "not only the guys who have the skillset and the athleticism and the competitive edge, but do it in a fun way, like we’re done with guys before. That can add to the chemistry of how the weeks go, the routines go. Try not to make it like we’re coming into work."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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