The Kansas City Chiefs were supposed to make history in Super Bowl 59 as they chased the NFL’s first-ever Super Bowl three-peat.
Instead, they ran into a buzzsaw in the Philadelphia Eagles, falling 40-22 in a game that left fans stunned and the dynasty suddenly facing tough questions. One of the biggest concerns? The noticeable decline of future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce.
At 35, the superstar tight end didn’t look like the unstoppable force fans had grown accustomed to and was widely speculated to be considering retirement. While he is returning for one more season (for now), the Chiefs need a backup plan and are predicted to pursue Miami’s Elijah Arroyo.
Kansas City Chiefs Predicted to Secure Future Starting Tight End in Elijah Arroyo
The Chiefs have a variety of options at tight end, with Colston Loveland considered to be the top prospect. However, Nate Taylor of The Athletic paired Kansas City with Arroyo, arguing he could spend his rookie season as a backup for Kelce and learn from the Future Hall of Famer in the meantime.
“On Day 2, the Chiefs could be in the range to select a tight end. A prospect such as Elijah Arroyo of Miami could spend his rookie season learning from future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, who could retire after the 2025 season,” he said.
“Last season, 71.4 percent of Arroyo’s 35 receptions resulted in a first down or touchdown. His top speed was 21.8 mph. Just six NFL players had a higher max ball-carrier speed in 2024, according to Next Gen Stats.”
Heading into the 2024 season, Arroyo had just 11 career catches in three years at Miami. Catching passes from potential No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, Arroyo broke out and amassed 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per catch.
Injuries impacted Arroyo’s availability earlier in his career, but now that he’s proven his ability when healthy, he has legitimate Top 100 potential. He’s one of the most explosive athletes in the TE class, with a well-built frame at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, with 33-inch arms.
Right now, Arroyo makes his money as a pass-game weapon — particularly on the vertical plane and up seams. His play strength and sturdiness as an in-line blocker can be an issue. But all of the tools are there to develop, and he won’t find any better to learn from than Kelce himself.
However, in PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, he is projected to be picked 70th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars while the Chiefs delay finding a replacement for Kelce by focusing on the offensive line and wide receivers.