The NFL world is flooded with a lot of rumors. Every now and then, you can hear what teams are up to. And while the big talk is always about teams like the Giants and Raiders looking out for many changes. It looks like the Chiefs have also made their way into free agency for some talent search. The team suffered a crushing setback in Super Bowl LIX, but it was only the start of their troubles. After the game, there have been multiple speculations about Travis Kelce’s retirement. If this happens, that will be a major setback for them. And to prevent any more damage, they are now in search of a future replacement. Though, by the looks of it, they might have already locked down a name.

In recent years, the Chiefs have never had a problem with their tight end position. Travis Kelce was the best thing the team could have done for that spot. Any guesses, why? Well, obviously it’s Patrick Mahomes. The duo is regarded as a magical tandem capable of decimating any defense. And as Kelce might be stepping towards retirement, the team will undoubtedly need a new decimating pair. While Travis can still play a couple more seasons, his replacement must be signed soon. The Chiefs are eager to find a good TE, and if the rumors are true, they can sign former Commanders TE John Bates.

Bates signed a four-year contract with the team in 2021 for a total of $4,202,416. As his contract ended with the team after the 2024 season, the 27-year-old enters 2025 as a free agent. When Bates signed his first contract with the Washington, the money he got was perfect for a TE at that level. But now the tables have turned. With his outstanding performance over the last four years, John Bates has impressed the whole world. His numbers? Well, those are off the charts. With 61 receptions, 592 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, the TE is truly impactful on the field. And these numbers indicate towards a potential lucrative contract for him this year. But is he the missing piece in the Chiefs play?

Well, Andy Reid has always ensured that his playing stars are in sync. And if he can’t find the connection between them, he certainly wouldn’t want to go with that pairing. If the Chiefs lock John Bates in a contract this year, Reid would have enough time to get the TE in sync. Maybe in the next couple of seasons, Kelce can also teach him a thing or two before retiring.

But are we sure that the Washington is not giving Bates a contract extension? What exactly is the team up to with regards to their TE position?

Can John Bates leave the Chiefs and re-sign with Washington?

In 2025, the Commanders plan to make significant upgrades to their TE roster. The team is looking forward to experiments, as they plan to move ahead in a new direction. Washington is now looking to trade in Juwan Johnson from the New Orleans Saints. The team is looking to add a strong tight end in their corner and Johnson can be perfect for it. With his 146 catches for 1,622 yards and 18 TDs, Juwan has already impressed Washington’s front office.

For what it’s worth, John Bates isn’t at the top of Washington’s current list. While the 27-year-old is excellent on the field, the team is still seeking more names. But what happens if New Orleans refuses to trade Johnson? If the speculations are true, the team could target young players in the NFL Draft. It is believed that the next name on their list is Gunnar Helm of Texas for their first round pick. With 60 passes for 786 yards and 7 TDs, the TE has shown a huge potential to the NFL World.

Despite all of these preparations, it remains questionable whether the team will re-sign Bates or not. As of now, all of this indicates that the Chiefs now only need a green light from the Commanders to contact John Bates and welcome him as their future TE. If that happens, the Mahomes-Bates pair can be a big danger on the field, a tremendous QB-TE combination working wonders. But, John’s arrival would imply Kelce’s retirement, which might disrupt the team’s equilibrium. Only time will tell what happens in this situation and how Andy will tackle Kelce’s retirement announcement.