Travis Kelce's decline in tight end rankings sparks debate about Chiefs' offensive future

Travis Kelce has been synonymous with dominance at the tight end position, a key component in the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive powerhouse over the past decade.

But as the 2025 NFL season looms, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has placed Kelce seventh on its list of the league's top tight ends, marking a notable slide from his usual perch at the summit.

The ranking, which positions Kelce between T.J. Hockenson of the Vikings and Dallas Goedert of the Eagles, has fueled speculation about his longevity and production. According to PFF analyst John Kosko, Kelce's performance in 2024 dipped significantly.

"While Kelce has been the second-most-valuable tight end over the past two seasons, per PFF WAR, 2024 represented the lowest-graded season of his career (71.7)," Kosko wrote.

"Age looks to be catching up to the future Hall of Famer, as his 91.4 PFF overall grade from 2022 appears to be a thing of the past."

This shift in perception comes as younger stars such as George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, and Brock Bowers rise in the ranks. Kelce, now 35, remains a key figure for the Chiefs, but his statistical output has seen a stark decline.

Is Father Time finally catching up to Travis Kelce?

Kelce's 2024 campaign reflected signs of wear. He recorded 823 receiving yards, the lowest of his career since his second season, and averaged only 51.4 yards per game.

His 6.2 yards per target was another career low, a sign that he's no longer creating the explosive plays that once defined his game.

Even his efficiency has taken a hit. PFF noted Kelce dropped over half a yard per route run and lost a full yard after the catch per reception in 2024.

For a player whose hallmark was his ability to rack up yards after the catch and find seams in the defense, this drop-off is hard to ignore.

Despite these declines, Kelce remains an essential piece of Kansas City's game plan - thanks largely to his unparalleled chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.

While he may no longer be the fastest or most athletic tight end on the field, his football IQ and reliability on critical downs still make him a valuable target.

Still, the shift in the tight end hierarchy is becoming more pronounced. Players like Mark Andrews, Trey McBride, and Bowers are proving they can be both game-changers and volume receivers - a mantle Kelce carried for years.

The Chiefs, who are looking to extend their dynasty with another Super Bowl run, must now balance celebrating Kelce's legacy while preparing for life after his eventual retirement.

With over 30 tight ends drafted in the last three years and many quickly becoming focal points of their offenses, the era of Travis Kelce is clearly transitioning.

While fans may debate whether No. 7 is too low, Kelce's legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history is already secure.