The Kansas City Chiefs may convince superstar tight end Travis Kelce to return for one final season, but either way, they’ll still need to replace him long-term, and they could do so during the 2026 NFL Draft.
During a mock draft with Pro Football Sports Network on January 24, analyst T.J. Randall predicted that the Chiefs would select Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers in the third round. And the receiving tight end profiles as a sneaky 2026 prospect that could fall lower than he should because of his deficiencies as a blocker.
“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.”
Even if Kelce does end up returning, Stowers would make for a perfect developmental prospect, and who better to learn from than the future Hall of Famer?
Potential Chiefs NFL Draft Target Eli Stowers Joins Elite Group After John Mackey Award News
GettyVanderbilt tight end prospect and 2025 Mackey Award winner Eli Stowers.
For those wondering, the John Mackey Award is given to “the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the nation.”
In announcing the 2025 winner, the John Mackey Award website wrote the following about Stowers.
“[Stowers] had a tremendous season, bringing in 62 receptions for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns,” the site noted. “Congratulations to the Denton, Texas native, he has earned the right to be mentioned with some of the greats! ‘Eli Stowers has exemplified the athleticism, leadership, and integrity that define the John Mackey Award,’ said Jerry Mackey, Chairman of the John Mackey Award. ‘We are proud to honor his outstanding contributions to college football, and the tight end position this season.’”
For what it’s worth, the last three Mackey Award winners were Tyler Warren, Brock Bowers (twice), and Trey McBride. Oh, and by the way, that’s one honor that even the great Travis Kelce has never achieved.
Will Travis Kelce Return for One Last Ride With Chiefs in 2025?
Kelce has not revealed whether he will return for the 2026 NFL season, but the latest signs have hinted that he will.
After the Chiefs re-hired Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator, Kelce had a notable reaction on his “New Heights” podcast.
“I think it’s a marriage that’s going to pick up right where it left off,” Kelce said while speaking with his brother, Jason Kelce, on the January 21 episode of their podcast. “You can see a kind of his personality, what he brings to the table in that Chicago team…can see those running backs over Chicago, and their body of work was definitely an Eric Bieniemy style of football. I can’t wait to see him back in the building.”
Now, just because Kelce can’t wait to see Bieniemy back in KC doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be there alongside him. But the comment did raise eyebrows around Chiefs Kingdom, and Kelce’s general excitement after the coaching move cannot be discounted.
If Kelce is going to return, it’ll be because he truly wants to play football at the highest level, one last time. And if Bieniemy helps bring that passion and fire out of him, that could be enough to push his decision toward continuing his career.
After all, it’s always been about Kelce’s love for the game. Once that fire is extinguished, retirement won’t be far behind.
Chiefs Predicted to Bring in 1,700-Yard Travis Kelce Insurance Policy