The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly zeroing in on a long-term successor for legendary tight end Travis Kelce at this week’s NFL Draft, aiming to reignite their quest for a historic third straight Super Bowl crown. Fresh off a crushing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX—a game where Kelce managed just four catches for 39 yards—the Chiefs face tough questions about their offensive future.
While the 34-year-old Kelce plans to return in 2024, his dip in production and looming retirement rumors have spurred Kansas City to scout his heir apparent. Thursday’s draft could deliver their answer.
Kansas City Chiefs target Penn State star as Travis Kelce’s successor
The name buzzing through Arrowhead Stadium? Penn State’s Tyler Warren, a 6’6”, 261-pound tight end whose blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ has NFL scouts salivating. Warren, a former high school quarterback turned receiving threat, dominated college football last season with 1,200+ yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to line up anywhere—slot, inline, even out wide—mirrors Kelce’s versatility, making him a tantalizing fit for Andy Reid’s playbook.
Warren’s draft stock skyrocketed after a standout 2024 campaign where he posted a 75% contested catch rate and averaged nearly seven yards after the catch. For a Kansas City Chiefs offense that thrives on YAC (yards after catch), his knack for breaking tackles and securing tough grabs aligns perfectly with Patrick Mahomes’ improvisational magic. Add in a microscopic 1.3% drop rate, and Warren looks primed to step into a high-pressure role.
Why Tyler Warren makes sense now
Travis Kelce’s recent admission of retirement contemplation adds urgency. At 35, his elite burst has waned, and Kansas City can’t afford to wait for a cliff dive. Drafting Tyler Warren offers a seamless transition: the rookie could learn under Kelce for a season while contributing immediately in two-TE sets.
Analyst Lou Scataglia’s proposed trade scenario—swapping picks with the 49ers to snag Warren at No. 11—underscores the Kansas City Chiefs’ aggressive mindset. GM Brett Veach, known for bold moves, might pull the trigger to secure Mahomes a new weapon.
The bigger picture
Tyler Warren isn’t just insurance for Kelce’s eventual exit; he’s a strategic chess piece. Reid’s offense demands tight ends who block like linemen and route-run like receivers. Warren’s background as a quarterback enhances his spatial awareness, a trait that could unlock new RPO (run-pass option) wrinkles. Pairing him with Travis Kelce in 2024 would give Patrick Mahomes mismatches galore, while grooming him as the future centerpiece.
Draft night implications
With limited cap space to chase free agents, the draft is Kansas City’s best avenue to retool. Warren’s blend of readiness and upside makes him a rare prospect who can impact now and later. If Veach stays put at No. 31, Warren might slip away. But if the Chiefs vault up the board, it’ll signal their commitment to maximizing Mahomes’ prime—even if it costs draft capital.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ pursuit of Tyler Warren isn’t about replacing Travis Kelce’s legacy—it’s about evolving it. In a league where windows close fast, Kansas City is betting on youth to prop theirs open. Whether Warren becomes the next great Chiefs TE or a draft-day gamble, one thing’s clear: In Patrick Mahomes’ kingdom, the future is always now.