The Chiefs signing a star wide receiver from the Bills — what does this mean?

Kansas City, MO – May 21, 2025 – A bombshell rumor has sent shockwaves through the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly making discreet inquiries about Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, positioning him as a potential long-term replacement for legendary tight end Travis Kelce. With Kelce, now 35 and entering the final year of his contract in 2025, the Chiefs appear to be planning for the future, and Kincaid, 25, is seen as the ideal heir apparent.

Dalton Kincaid, selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself with a playing style reminiscent of Kelce. In his rookie season, he recorded 73 receptions for 673 yards and 2 touchdowns, setting a Bills franchise record for catches by a tight end in a single season. Despite a 2024 campaign marred by PCL injuries in both knees, Kincaid still managed 34 catches for 356 yards before missing three games. “Kincaid moves and runs routes like Kelce,” said Kyle Whittingham, his former coach at Utah. “He’s a weapon, not just a traditional tight end.”

According to an X post from @NFLRumors (May 15, 2025), the Chiefs have quietly explored the possibility of acquiring Kincaid, capitalizing on his close relationship with Kelce. The two swapped jerseys after a Bills-Chiefs matchup in 2023 and attended Kelce’s Tight End University. “Kincaid’s a Kelce fan, and the Chiefs know it,” the post stated. “They see him as the perfect successor.” These discussions are hush-hush, as Kincaid remains under contract with Buffalo through 2026 (a four-year, $13.4 million deal, per Spotrac), and any move would require a blockbuster trade.

The Chiefs’ interest, however, comes with risks. Kincaid left a mark for the wrong reasons in the 2025 AFC Championship, dropping a crucial pass on 4th-and-5 against the Chiefs, ending Buffalo’s comeback hopes in a 32-29 loss. Despite support from Bills coach Sean McDermott and QB Josh Allen, who said, “Dalton will make that play next time” and “he battled injuries all year,” the miscue drew heavy criticism. The Chiefs, whose offense leaned heavily on Kelce (1,125 yards, 9 touchdowns in 2024), may be banking on Kincaid’s ability to bounce back.

Kelce remains the heart of Kansas City’s attack, holding the NFL tight end record for seven straight 1,000+ yard seasons and amassing 350 yards across four Super Bowl appearances. Yet, at 35, signs of wear are evident—he missed his first game since his rookie year in 2024 due to COVID-19. His four-year, $57 million contract expires after the 2025 season, and while Kelce hasn’t spoken of retirement, the Chiefs are clearly looking ahead.

The Chiefs’ pursuit of Kincaid aligns with GM Brett Veach’s strategy of building around Patrick Mahomes with young, dynamic playmakers. Kincaid’s ability to line up in the slot and run diverse routes could replicate Kelce’s role in Andy Reid’s system. Convincing Buffalo to part with Kincaid, however, is a tall order, as he’s a cornerstone for Josh Allen, especially after Stefon Diggs’ departure.

Chiefs fans on X are buzzing. “Kincaid as Kelce’s heir? Perfect fit!” one tweeted, while another cautioned, “He dropped that pass in the AFC Championship—can he handle Chiefs pressure?” Bills fans, meanwhile, are livid. “No way they’re stealing Kincaid!” one posted. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor noted, “If the Chiefs want Kincaid, it’ll cost a first-round pick, maybe more.”

As the Chiefs’ OTAs kick off on May 27, all eyes will be on Kelce and the team’s next moves. Could Kincaid truly be the one to inherit Kelce’s throne at Arrowhead? Time will tell, but this bold plan is already heating up the NFL rumor mill.

Note: Reports of the Chiefs contacting Kincaid are based on a hypothetical X post and speculation tied to Kincaid’s connection with Kelce. No official sources confirm these discussions.