Chiefs Predicted to Add a 1,700-Yard Safety Net Behind Travis Kelce

Even if Kelce ultimately decides to play again, Kansas City will need a long-term plan at one of the most important positions in its offense. One potential solution could come in the 2026 NFL Draft.

In a mock draft published January 24, analyst T.J. Randall projected the Chiefs to select Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers in the third round. The projection frames Stowers as a developmental receiving threat who could slide in the draft due to his limitations as a blocker, despite strong production as a pass catcher.

“At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Eli Stowers is an exercise in receiver versus tight end classification, considering the chasm between his contributions in the passing game and running game,” Randall wrote. “The 2025 Mackey Award winner will bring his 1,700 career receiving yards to KC for an exciting Travis Kelce replacement when the time comes.”

Stowers’ résumé supports the intrigue. He is coming off a standout collegiate career capped by winning the 2025 John Mackey Award, given annually to the nation’s most outstanding tight end. During the award announcement, Stowers was credited with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns in his final season, earning praise for his athleticism, leadership, and impact in the passing game.

Recent winners of the Mackey Award include Tyler Warren, Brock Bowers, and Trey McBride — a list that underscores the caliber of tight end typically associated with the honor. Notably, despite his Hall of Fame-level career, Kelce himself never won the award.

I’m going to be crazy high on Eli Stowers this draft cycle.

4-Star Recruit (94 Prospect Grade).

2.30, 2.36, & 2.55 YPRR in 3 seasons as a TE – a higher career YPRR (2.42) than Trey McBride (2.11), Colston Loveland (2.22), Kyle Pitts (2.36), or Tucker Kraft (2.33) had in… pic.twitter.com/pUxewNarbZ

— David J. Gautieri (@GuruFantasyWrld) January 16, 2026

From Kansas City’s perspective, Stowers would not need to be an immediate replacement. Even if Kelce returns, the rookie could develop behind one of the greatest tight ends of his era, learning the nuances of route running, coverage recognition, and preparation at the NFL level. That type of apprenticeship would align with the Chiefs’ long-term roster planning.

Kelce, meanwhile, has not publicly committed to playing in the 2026 season. However, his recent reaction to the team re-hiring Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator sparked optimism among fans. Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Kelce expressed excitement about Bieniemy’s return and the energy he brings to the building, though he stopped short of tying that enthusiasm directly to his own future.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether Kelce still feels the pull to compete at the highest level. If that fire remains, a return is possible. At the same time, Kansas City appears intent on ensuring that when the transition eventually arrives, it does not come without a plan already in place.