Travis Kelce’s time with the Chiefs could be up as Kansas City eyes his replacement
Although the 2024 NFL season has yet to begin, the league’s finest franchises recognize that it is never too early to start planning for the future. Otherwise, a team like the Kansas City Chiefs has no chance of keeping ahead of the competition and building a sustainable, championship-caliber program.
Sooner rather than later, the Chiefs will have to deal with the loss of franchise legend Travis Kelce. Kansas City’s great tight end got a contract deal through 2026 earlier this year, but the 34-year-old is already planning for life after the NFL. The three-time Super Bowl champion recently signed a $100 million podcast contract with Amazon and has even dabbled in acting, while the Chiefs may be considering how to best replace his great talents when the time comes.
Will the Chiefs turn to a top college prospect?
According to The 33rd Team’s fake 2025 draft, the Chiefs are linked to Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. The scenario finds Kansas City picking Loveland with the 32nd pick in next season’s draft, assuming the Chiefs had won their third consecutive Super Bowl, a first in NFL history.
“Do the Chiefs trust Noah Gray and rookie Jared Wiley to take that mantle long-term as Kelce reaches the final chapters of his career?” Analyst Kyle Crabbs inquired. “If the answer is no, Kansas City can add a dual-threat player in Loveland.”
Colston Loveland has looked unbelievable tonight. His lateral agility has been on display with his route running. Clearly TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/dKhGvA3B2e
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 1, 2024
Loveland had a breakout season in the NCAA last year, earning All-Big Ten accolades and helping Michigan win the national championship. The dynamic pass-catching tight end caught 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns, using his 6’5” height and soft hands to create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Colston Loveland matched up on a linebacker. pic.twitter.com/HH5f1d40oU
— Captain Bruisin, cruise director (@Ian_A_Boyd) September 4, 2024
Loveland’s physique is similar to that of 6’5”, 250-pound Kelce, who is entering the 12th season of his storied NFL career. However, while Kelce has stated that he has no imminent plans to retire, his off-field pursuits, along with his age, will force Kansas City to pull off the impossible: replacing Kelce’s key position in the Chiefs’ dynasty.
