Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones publicly defended teammate Travis Kelce after a former general manager suggested the team should move on from the veteran tight end. Former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum stated on ESPN that the Chiefs should cut Kelce and seek a younger, faster replacement.
Jones, a defensive tackle, responded directly on X, posting a terse "Shut up."
Tannenbaum argued that teams must project future performance rather than rely on past achievements. He asserted that while Kelce is a Hall of Famer, his 2025 performance indicated his best days are behind him, advocating for a move to a younger, more explosive tight end.
Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion and 11-time Pro Bowler, has seen a statistical decline in recent seasons. However, opposing defenses have increasingly focused on limiting his impact, opening up opportunities for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense. His receiving yards increased from the 2024 to the 2025 season, with 851 yards on 76 catches and five touchdowns last season, an improvement from the previous year.
Kelce's potential retirement remains a factor in the Chiefs' decision-making process. His future with the team is currently undecided.