Andy Reid's Potential Extension Makes Travis Kelce KC's Next Weak Link

Leading up to the Super Bowl, one of the storylines was that Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid could retire with a win. Big Red had built up a legendary resume, the underlying logic went, and maybe the allure of going out on top could tempt him to call it a career.

But those rumors it seems are greatly exaggerated. Ahead of the Big Game, Reid explained that he hadn't really broached the topic. And, with another Lombardi Trophy in hand, it now seems like he'll be receiving a new contract, too.

It goes without saying that would be a positive development in the Chiefs' effort to extend their current dynasty. Reid has proved to be an all-time great head coach, and his offensive ability has shone through in massive moments. But at the same time, his presence isn't an automatic ticket to future greatness.

If anything, it shifts the dynastic burden to Travis Kelce.

Reid Has Certainly Earned a Potential Extension

In the world of sports, coaches often pay the price for their team's failings. As the cliche says, it's simply easier to fire one leader than turning over an entire roster. But, in Andy Reid's case, the bench boss has exceeded all expectations.

While it may seem impossible to imagine now, the Chiefs were floundering when Reid arrived. During his first season in charge, though, the club jumped from 2-14 to 11-5, making the playoffs. And that was just the start. Eventually, Alex Smith gave way to Patrick Mahomes, and the rest is history.

Now, the head coach may have earned himself a new contract, complete with a raise and some bragging rights. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, "the Chiefs and Andy Reid are expected to begin negotiations in the coming weeks on a new contract that NFL sources believe should soon make Reid the highest-paid coach in football."

Again, it remains to be seen what that potential deal could look like, but the head coach has essentially earned himself a blank check. When your squad has earned the "dynasty" label, that gives you a rather strong bargaining position.

Kelce Is the Next Cornerstone to Worry About

To be clear, keeping Reid tied down is a positive for the Chiefs. He might not be a perfect head coach, but it's tough to be too critical when he and Mahomes have turned the Chiefs into a juggernaut.

But, at the same time, it would be a bit naïve to think that a coach and a quarterback are all it takes to keep the ball rolling. If anything, the start of the 2023 campaign proved that Mahomes can't single-handedly make the offense work. Even he needs some help.

And while there are major free agency decisions to make each offseason—consider the potential choice between Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed this year, and the prospect of Nick Bolton and Creed Humphrey needing new deals next spring—Reid's potential extension would make Travis Kelce the next weak link in the Chiefs dynasty.

Mahomes is, of course, signed through the end of 2031, although his contract is structured in a way that will probably prompt a new deal before then. Reid, assuming everything goes according to plan, will be extended for at least a few seasons.

And if you consider Reid, Kelce and Mahomes the heart of the Chiefs' success, then the tight end becomes the most pressing priority.

Purely on a logistical basis, No. 87 is only under contract through 2025. Given that he's currently 34 years old, it's reasonable to think that could be the end of his career.

Remember, the 2023 season started with Kelce suffering an injury, and he didn't seem like his old self at various points. He did turn it on during the playoffs, but overcoming bumps and bruises will only get tougher with each passing year.

And, on a personal level, we know that the star, who is dating Taylor Swift, has his eyes on more than football success. That's not to say that the Cincinnati product is distracted or otherwise counting down the days until he can leave football, but it's reasonable to want to leave the game in a physical condition that allows you to enjoy the rest of your life.

Rob Gronkowski, after all, discussed the physical and mental toll that football had taken on him when he retired for the first time.

Again, this isn't to say that Kelce is the only other piece that the Chiefs need to sign. It's quite possible that the 2024 offseason will affect the roster and prompt a step backward. The star tight end, however, is a uniquely talented player who makes the entire offense's collective life easier. Between drawing the defense's attention to create space for others and having a near-psychic connection with Mahomes, he's a key part of the current success. And replacing him, like it or not, isn't going to be easy. It might not even be possible in the short-term, unless the stars align on draft day.

To that end, the Chiefs are clearly in the midst of a championship window. And while that could close at any moment, Reid's potential extension shifts the potential breakpoint to the close of the 2025 offseason.

Will things stretch beyond there or come crashing down earlier? At this point, the entire NFL will just have to wait and see how things play out.