The Kansas City Chiefs might be looking for their next tight end to replace Travis Kelce. At 35 and going into his 13th NFL season, the legendary tight end shows signs of slowing down. Last season marked his first sub-1,000-yard campaign since 2015.
Kelce is a future HOF and the nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and three-time Super Bowl champion. To secure their future at the position, the Chiefs may target Penn State’s Tyler Warren in the 2025 NFL Draft as a potential successor.
Kansas City Chiefs Eye Travis Kelce’s Successor
Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million restructured deal before the season. At 35, he could follow his brother into retirement. Gray, who has posted a career-high 373 yards this season, is under contract through 2027, but expecting him to replace Kelce’s production fully might be unrealistic. Adding Warren would give Kansas City another option at tight end.
Warren has impressed at Penn State, hauling in 81 receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns this season. He stepped into a leading role after playing behind Pat Freiermuth, Theo Johnson, and Brenton Strange. In 2024, Warren secured 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-America honors.
Samuel Teets of Chiefs Wire praised Warren’s skills, stating,
“Warren eliminated any lingering concerns about dropped passes in 2024. He’s a natural hands catcher who maintains a firm grip on the ball through contested catches……Warren lacks elite burst and speed but possesses enough of both to threaten defenses after the catch.”
“He’s a tough, competitive athlete who muscles through arm tackles and doesn’t shy away from contact after the catch. Warren offers passable blocking on wide zone plays and secures the backside of gap runs, but he lacks the elite power and technique to dominate the trenches.” He added.
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Warren is 6’5½” and 256 pounds and is the ideal size for an NFL tight end. Though not as dynamic as Brock Bowers, his versatility could make him an asset. If he falls outside the top 10, the Broncos (20th) or Chargers (22nd) could be potential landing spots, but the Chiefs have the draft capital to trade up if they view him as Kelce’s long-term replacement.
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