A seismic shift is brewing in Kansas City Chiefs. Reports suggest the team is preparing to move beyond legendary tight end Travis Kelce, eyeing a successor after their crushing 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce, whose four catches for 39 yards in the title game fueled whispers of decline—and even retirement—has opted to return for another season.
But the front office isn’t waiting. Insider buzz reveals plans to draft his heir apparent, signaling a bold strategy to reclaim dominance in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs target Travis Kelce’s successor in 2025 class
The Chiefs’ dynasty hinges on foresight. While Kelce remains a cornerstone, his age (35) and the Eagles’ defensive mastery in February exposed vulnerabilities. Kansas City’s solution? Use the 2025 NFL Draft to secure a tight end capable of learning from—and eventually replacing—the future Hall of Famer.
According to The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the Chiefs are zeroing in on prospects like Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. Arroyo, a dynamic playmaker, turned 71.4% of his 35 receptions last season into first downs or touchdowns, boasting a blistering 21.8 mph top speed.
His raw athleticism aligns with Kansas City’s high-octane offense, making him an ideal understudy. Fannin, meanwhile, shattered school records with 117 catches and 1,555 yards, earning consensus All-American honors.
Analyst Dane Brugler praises his “strong hands” and “urgent athleticism,” though notes his blocking and route-running need polish.
This isn’t just about filling a roster spot. The Kansas City Chiefs recognize Travis Kelce’s irreplaceable chemistry with Patrick Mahomes but understand the clock is ticking. Drafting a rookie now allows a seamless transition, ensuring the offense doesn’t skip a beat when Kelce eventually retires.
Why the urgency?
Kelce’s decision to return buys time, but last season’s cracks are undeniable. Beyond the Super Bowl flop, his production dipped slightly in 2024, with younger tight ends like Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride rising league-wide. Kansas City’s front office knows complacency kills dynasties.
By investing in a rookie, they safeguard against sudden decline while empowering Kelce to mentor his successor—a role he’s reportedly embraced.
The strategy also reflects lessons from past transitions. Remember how the Packers drafted Jordan Love while Aaron Rodgers still thrived? Kansas City aims to replicate that foresight, avoiding the scramble that followed legends like Tony Gonzalez’s departure.
The bigger picture: Sustaining excellence
Mahomes’ arm guarantees contention, but the Kansas City Chiefs’ success relies on surrounding him with weapons. Travis Kelce’s eventual exit will leave a void, but securing a high-ceiling tight end ensures the offense evolves. Arroyo’s speed could stretch defenses vertically, while Fannin’s YAC ability fits Andy Reid’s creative schemes.
Critics argue drafting a tight end early overlooks pressing needs like offensive line depth. Yet Kansas City’s brass believes in Kelce’s mentorship elevating a rookie faster than plugging other gaps. As one team insider noted,
“Travis’ football IQ is off the charts. Imagine what he can teach a kid with raw talent.”
The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t dismissing Kelce—they’re future-proofing his legacy. By drafting his heir, they honor his impact while ensuring their offense remains a well-oiled machine. For Travis Kelce, 2025 becomes a redemption arc: prove he’s still elite while grooming the next face of the position. And for Kansas City? It’s a gamble that could cement their dynasty—or remind the league why loyalty to legends still matters.