The End of an Era: Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs Face Uncertainty as They Scout for the Future

For the first time in a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves outside of the playoff picture. The 2025 season ended with a disappointing 7-9-1 record, marking a stark departure from their typical postseason dominance. At 36, Travis Kelce, still one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive tight ends, led the team with 76 receptions, 851 yards, and five touchdowns. His performance earned him Pro Bowl honors for the 11th time, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Despite his continued excellence, there is no escaping the inevitability of Father Time. With his two-year, $34.25 million contract set to expire, Kelce took some time this offseason to reflect on his future. Would he return to the team for another season, or would the Chiefs begin to turn the page?

In typical Kelce fashion, the future Hall of Famer decided to run it back with the Chiefs. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal to extend his stay in Kansas City and embark on his 14th season at Arrowhead Stadium.

However, the Chiefs’ front office is well aware that even with Kelce back in the huddle, they need to start planning for the future. The team has already begun scouting potential tight end prospects who could help fill the massive shoes Kelce will eventually leave behind. Let’s take a closer look at five tight ends the Chiefs should have circled on their draft board next month.

Joe Royer, Cincinnati Bearcats

Joe Royer’s college career at the University of Cincinnati was nothing short of remarkable, and it’s clear that he’s ready to take his talents to the NFL. Not only did Royer follow in Kelce’s footsteps at Cincinnati, but he also surpassed the Chiefs’ star tight end in a key statistical category. Royer set a new school record for receptions by a tight end with 50, eclipsing Kelce’s previous record of 45. This alone will have the Kansas City front office paying close attention.

Over the course of his career, Royer amassed 79 catches, nearly 1,000 yards, and four touchdowns. His numbers scream “QB-friendly,” and that’s exactly what the Chiefs need in a tight end. Patrick Mahomes thrives in chaos, making plays off-script and relying on his receivers to improvise when plays break down. Royer’s ability to operate in such an environment makes him a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ offense.

The chemistry between Mahomes and his weapons is one of the most important aspects of Kansas City’s success, and while it may take time to develop, once that trust is established, the combination could be dangerous. Royer could become an immediate impact player in a system that thrives on unpredictability and backyard football.

Oscar Delp, Georgia Bulldogs

Oscar Delp is another player who could fill the tight end void in Kansas City in the near future. Standing at 6’5”, Delp has the physical tools to be a mismatch nightmare. He entered college as a highly touted four-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the nation by 247Sports. Delp had offers from some of the top programs in the country, including Florida, Michigan, and Alabama, but ultimately chose to play for Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart.

Delp’s path to stardom wasn’t without obstacles, though. For much of his career, he played behind Brock Bowers, a generational talent at tight end. However, when Bowers left for the NFL, Delp seized the opportunity and became the Bulldogs’ TE1 in 2024. Over the course of his career, Delp put up solid numbers, recording 70 catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns.

What makes Delp particularly enticing for the Chiefs is his potential as a mismatch weapon. His ability to stretch the field, combined with his size and athleticism, would make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With a strong quarterback like Mahomes at the helm, Delp’s stock is on the rise, and he could be just the kind of weapon Kansas City needs for the future.

Max Klare, Ohio State Buckeyes

Max Klare is a tight end prospect who brings something different to the table. While Kelce is known for his precision and ability to exploit soft spots in defenses, Klare has the vertical speed and explosiveness to make big plays downfield. He’s not a traditional chain-moving tight end—he’s a playmaker who can turn a broken play into a massive gain. This is exactly the kind of threat that the Chiefs need as they look to develop the next generation of tight ends.

Although Klare’s college production didn’t blow anyone away—30+ catches, 400+ yards, and three touchdowns—his tape tells a different story. Klare is exceptional when plays break down. He finds open space late in the down and turns upfield with authority. His ability to make plays on the move is a perfect match for Mahomes’ off-script magic. As Kelce continues to age, the Chiefs will need a player like Klare who can add a new dimension to the offense.

Michael Trigg, Baylor Bears

When it comes to tight ends who resemble Kelce’s style of play, Michael Trigg may be the closest thing in this draft class. Trigg’s production at Baylor has been impressive, with 50 receptions, 694 yards, and four touchdowns in his breakout season. Over the course of his career, Trigg has accumulated more than 108 receptions, making him a legitimate threat in the passing game.

What makes Trigg so intriguing is his ability to function as a big slot receiver, similar to how the Chiefs use Kelce in their offense. Trigg thrives in the middle of the field, where he can exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His ability to detach from the line and work in space is exactly how Andy Reid utilizes Kelce in Kansas City’s high-powered offense. If Trigg can continue to develop his game at the next level, he could become a vital piece of the Chiefs’ offensive puzzle.

Sam Roush, Stanford Cardinal

Stanford has long been known as a tight end factory, and Sam Roush is the latest product to emerge from the program. At 6’6” and 267 pounds, Roush has the size and physicality to thrive as a traditional in-line tight end. Throughout his career at Stanford, Roush has been tasked with the dirty work of blocking and setting the edge for the running game. While that may not show up in the stat sheet, it’s an invaluable skill for a team like the Chiefs, who need a well-rounded tight end who can contribute in both the passing and running game.

But don’t mistake Roush for just a blocking tight end. He’s also shown flashes as a receiver, recording 30+ catches, 300+ yards, and three touchdowns during his time at Stanford. With his size and athleticism, Roush could develop into a reliable weapon in the passing game as well. His ability to stretch the seam and work downfield could make him a dangerous addition to the Chiefs’ offense.

Conclusion: The Future of the Chiefs’ Tight End Position

The Travis Kelce era in Kansas City has been nothing short of legendary. However, as Kelce continues to age, the Chiefs are looking to the future and scouting tight end prospects who could carry on his legacy. Whether it’s Joe Royer, Oscar Delp, Max Klare, Michael Trigg, or Sam Roush, there are plenty of exciting prospects who could make an impact in Kansas City in the years to come.

As the Chiefs continue to build around their franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the tight end position will remain a crucial part of their offensive strategy. While Kelce may have a few more years left in him, the Chiefs must be proactive in developing the next mismatch nightmare. The future is bright for Kansas City, and with the right additions to their roster, they could continue to dominate the NFL for years to come.