The Kansas City Chiefs’ hopes of sustaining their historic dominance might rest on the shoulders of one aging, albeit iconic tight end.
With Travis Kelce entering his 13th NFL season at age 35, NFL analyst Rich Eisen believes his performance in 2025 could decide whether the Chiefs keep their dynasty alive or begin their slow slide into decline.
Travis Kelce’s 2025 Season Could Make or Break Chiefs Dynasty
On the latest episode of “The Rich Eisen Show,” Eisen didn’t hold back while assessing where the Chiefs stand heading into 2025. He pointed to Kelce’s career-low receiving yardage in a full season as a major warning sign, not just for the player, but for the franchise’s long-term outlook.
“He will be the avatar. He will be the focus as to whether the Chiefs are finally vulnerable,” said Eisen. “At some point, Brady no longer had Randy Moss, no longer had Welker. At some point, Mahomes will no longer have Kelce. Is this the moment where they are not able to transition?”
The Chiefs fell short of their three-peat dream in a 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and while Mahomes remains elite, Eisen suggests Kelce is now the player who defines Kansas City’s staying power. If his decline continues, the dynasty could begin to fray.
Kelce finished the 2024 regular season with 97 receptions for 823 yards and just three touchdowns, both the lowest marks of any season (except his rookie season) in which he played at least 16 games. Yet, despite those numbers, he still led the team in receiving.
The tight end’s struggles were particularly evident in the postseason. In the 2025 playoffs, Kelce managed just 13 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown across three games, including only four catches for 39 yards in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia.
Andy Reid Commits to Kelce Despite Age Concerns
Following weeks of retirement speculation, Kelce confirmed he’d return for another year. During mandatory minicamp in June, head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the wear and tear but showed no signs of pulling back Kelce’s role in 2025.
“He’s in great shape right now,” Reid said. “I think he’s looking forward to getting going.”
Reid did admit he’s keeping a close eye on the veteran: “He doesn’t know he’s getting older, but I do… If I think it’s catching up to him a little bit, I’ll pull off and put him where he needs to be.”
That might not be enough to ease Eisen’s concerns or the league’s curiosity. Kelce’s postseason production has been a particular concern, with his 39 yards in Super Bowl LIX marking one of the lowest outputs of his playoff career.
The star tight end has entered his final year under contract with Kansas City, having signed a two-year extension worth $34.25 million in April 2024 that made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Despite speculation about his future beyond 2025, Kelce has indicated he wants to remain with Kansas City for the rest of his career.
As Kansas City pushes for a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance, the question now becomes not just whether Mahomes can carry them, but whether Kelce has one more dominant season left in him or whether the clock has finally started ticking on the NFL’s current dynasty.
