The Chiefs head coach reflects on Kelce’s evolving role

Travis Kelce and Andy Reid

Travis Kelce and Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has opened up about two major storylines that impacted the team during the 2024 NFL season, Travis Kelce‘s noticeable statistical decline and the short-lived stint of linebacker Josh Uche.

Speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings, Reid offered an honest assessment of both players and provided context for what went right-and what didn’t-for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, experienced his least productive season since his rookie year, finishing with 97 receptions for 823 yards and just three touchdowns. While those numbers would be a strong showing for most tight ends, they mark a significant drop for the 34-year-old star.

Reid acknowledged the shift in Kelce‘s role, saying, “He’s willing. He’s learning when to come out, so he’ll get himself out of the game when he needs it. And I think that’ll just continue with age.”

Despite the dip in red zone dominance, Kelce still led the team in catches and yardage and etched his name in franchise history by surpassing Tony Gonzalez as the Chiefs’ all-time receptions leader. He also became the fastest tight end in NFL history to eclipse 12,000 receiving yards.

But age and a grueling season may have caught up to him. Reid pointed out that injuries to Kansas City’s wide receivers added to the pressure. “We were banged up at the outside positions… that doesn’t help a tight end’s cause,” he explained.

Josh Uche’s short stop in Kansas City

While Kelce‘s season was a mixed bag, the story of Josh Uche‘s time in Kansas City was more cut-and-dry. The linebacker, once a rising pass-rusher with New England, was brought in midseason but never found his footing in the Chiefs’ defense.

“Probably wasn’t a great fit for what we do,” Reid admitted. “We got him late… By the time we got him, we were rolling.”

In seven appearances for Kansas City, Uche managed just two sacks, a stark contrast to his 11.5-sack performance with the Patriots in 2022. With limited snaps and a playbook not suited to his strengths, Uche struggled to make an impact.

The Chiefs ultimately allowed him to walk in free agency, and the Philadelphia Eagles scooped him up on a one-year, $1.92 million deal. Uche remains optimistic, saying, “Being 26 years old, I’ve got a lot left in the tank.”

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For Reid, the takeaway was clear: fitting new players into a well-oiled system midseason is a challenge.

Whether it’s aging veterans like Kelce adjusting their roles or new additions like Uche trying to find theirs, the NFL remains a game of constant adaptation-and even a championship team must evolve to stay on top.