Replacing a legend is never simple, but the

Kansas City Chiefs

might soon have to make contingency plans for life without Travis Kelce. The three-time Super Bowl winner has been the fulcrum of the team’s offense along with Patrick Mahomes, but at 35 years of age and heading into his 13th NFL season, the Chiefs need to begin planning for the future.
Whereas Kelce has promised to return for the 2025 season after considering retirement, the team is aware that his time is limited. The solution? Signing his eventual replacement this year.

Could Mason Taylor be the answer at Tight End for Kansas City?

NFL pundits already are wondering how the Chiefs will tackle their long-term tight end situation, and FOX Sports author David Helman thinks they might be willing to go big in this year’s draft. In his most recent mock draft, Helman has Kansas City taking LSU tight end

Mason Taylor

with the 31st overall pick in the

2025 NFL Draft

“The popular pick is going to be an offensive lineman, and that makes sense. But with Jaylon Moore signed on for the next two years, maybe the Chiefs look to the future,” Helman wrote.
“Travis Kelce is back for 2025, but it’s plain to see that his career is winding down. Taylor is one of this year’s most complete tight ends, and he’d help this offense as both a blocker and a receiver.”
Taylor, 20, is a standout at LSU, accumulating 1,308 receiving yards in 38 games as a Tiger, including a career-best 546 this season. At 6-foot-5 and with strong hands, as well as athleticism, he has the ability to become an imposing offensive threat in the pros.

Mason Taylor may not be Kelce 2.0, but he could help fill the void

No one is expecting Taylor to come in and mirror Kelce’s production right away—Kelce, after all, is the greatest tight end of all time. But acquiring a young, promising prospect at the position might enable the Chiefs to develop their next starter while also keeping Kelce around for at least one additional season to tutor him.
Kelce’s eventual exit will create a huge void in the Chiefs’ offense, but the franchise can make the transition easier by bringing in a promising tight end such as Taylor. If Kansas City does make this acquisition, it could position them for long-term success after Kelce.