Travis Kelce Faces Criticism as Priest Holmes Calls for a Trade if Early Season Struggles Continue

Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce, known for his incredible consistency and playmaking ability, has faced unexpected early-season struggles. After starting the season with a series of underwhelming performances, Kelce’s numbers have raised concerns for both fans and analysts alike. Now, a major voice from the Chiefs’ past has weighed in on the situation: former All-Pro running back Priest Holmes. Holmes, speaking to Heavy Sports, stated that if Kelce’s issues persist, Kansas City may need to explore trading for another offensive weapon to keep pace with the competition.

The Early Struggles

After three games into the season, Kelce’s statline has been far below his usual Hall-of-Fame standard. With just 10 receptions for 134 yards and a single touchdown, Kelce has failed to meet the expectations that come with his elite status. Holmes, who knows the pressure of performing on the big stage, pointed to these struggles as a potential red flag for the Chiefs moving forward.

Through the first few weeks, it hasn’t been just about Kelce’s lack of production—it’s also about the lack of rhythm within the offense as a whole. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ MVP quarterback, has been managing the game but hasn’t put up the explosive numbers fans are used to seeing from him. The offense has been less dynamic, with defenses adjusting to Mahomes’ game by playing more conservative, sitting in two-high shells and making it harder for Kelce to find open space.

The Strain on Kelce

Kelsey’s struggles are compounded by the ongoing changes in the Chiefs’ receiving room. With rising star Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension and injuries affecting other key players, the wide receiver group has been in disarray. The lack of consistent targets on the outside has placed even more pressure on Kelce, who, historically, has been the go-to option for Mahomes during key moments. But with teams now bracketing him on money downs, Mahomes has been forced to rely on other, less familiar weapons to move the ball.

Holmes’ suggestion that the Chiefs may need to trade for a new playmaker isn’t just about adding another weapon—it’s about finding a way to unlock Kelce’s full potential once again. As defenses zero in on the star tight end, it’s clear that the Chiefs’ offense will need some changes to regain the same rhythm that made them an offensive powerhouse.

Adjustments to the Offense

Despite Kelce’s slow start, the Chiefs have been able to steady the ship with a 22-9 win over the Giants, improving to a 1-2 record after a tough opening schedule against the Chargers and the Eagles. But Holmes’ comments highlight a deeper issue within the offense: without the usual production from Kelce, the Chiefs may struggle to compete at the highest level.

While Mahomes hasn’t been putting up eye-popping numbers, he’s still been careful with the football and managing the game. The issue lies in how defenses are playing him—sitting back in a more patient two-high shell and taking away his go-to options. This shift forces Mahomes to read the field for longer, and when Kelce isn’t an automatic answer on critical third downs, the margin for error tightens.

For Kelce, his timing and connection with Mahomes have been off. Holmes even called out a key drop on a goal-line play against the Eagles, noting that it’s moments like these where the Chiefs need their star tight end to shine. With defenses adjusting to Kelce’s route-running and Mahomes’ distribution, changes are necessary to keep the offense clicking.

The Path Forward for Kelce

In order to address these struggles, Holmes suggested that the Chiefs may need to explore adding another big-time pass catcher to the roster—someone who could help open things up for Kelce and make the offense more unpredictable. But, Holmes also acknowledged that it’s still early in the season and that there are ways the Chiefs can improve without making drastic roster changes.

One such adjustment could be finding more creative ways to get Kelce open, such as utilizing motion and stack looks to force defenders out of position. If defenses continue to sell out on stopping Kelce, that leaves room for running back Isaiah Pacheco to break off big gains, particularly when defenses drop into lighter boxes to focus on the passing game.

Until Rice returns from suspension, the Chiefs will need to lean heavily on the structure of their offense and find ways to free up space for their stars. By using motion, setting up deep shots early, and focusing on timing, the Chiefs can start to generate the kind of big plays they need to remain competitive in the AFC.

Long-Term Outlook for the Chiefs

Looking ahead, the Chiefs have the potential to fix their offensive issues with some strategic adjustments. However, Holmes’ comments add an element of urgency—if Kelce’s struggles persist, Kansas City may have to make a mid-season move to bolster their receiving corps. The Chiefs, after all, are in a fiercely competitive AFC, with teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins showing strength in the early part of the season.

Ultimately, the Chiefs don’t need to replicate the explosive fireworks of previous seasons. What they need is consistent play in key moments, especially when the game is on the line. Kelce doesn’t need to post huge numbers in every game, but when his number is called, he needs to make the plays that win games.

As the Chiefs move forward in the season, one thing is clear: if they can find their rhythm on offense, especially with Mahomes and Kelce back in sync, they can be a serious contender. But if those struggles continue, Holmes’ warning may prove prophetic, and a trade could be in order to keep pace with the league’s top teams.

Conclusion

The pressure is on for the Kansas City Chiefs to right the ship and get back to winning ways. Whether Kelce’s struggles continue or he finds his form, one thing is certain—Holmes’ advice has added a new layer of urgency to the Chiefs’ season. The next few weeks will be critical, not just for Kelce’s performance, but for the future direction of the Chiefs’ offense as a whole.