Chiefs Reveal Succession Plan for Travis Kelce: Who’s the Leading Candidate?

Travis Kelce may be returning for another season, but behind the scenes, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be laying the groundwork for what comes next. With the future Hall of Famer turning 35 this fall, the front office and coaching staff are scouting potential successors — a move that speaks volumes about long-term strategy.

So, who are the top candidates to eventually take over as TE1 in Kansas City?

Kelce Is Still the Anchor — But the Clock Is Ticking

Kelce’s presence in minicamp reassured fans that he’s still physically capable and mentally sharp. However, his decreased explosiveness in recent games and mounting wear-and-tear suggest the end of his prime is near. Head coach Andy Reid has alluded to a need for “developing leadership from within,” and nowhere is that more relevant than in the tight end room.

The Chiefs have begun testing young talent more seriously, rotating in backup Noah Gray, undrafted rookie Jake Briningstool, and others throughout June practices. It’s not panic — it’s preparation.

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Michael Mayer: The Trade Target That Won’t Go Away

One of the more intriguing whispers around Arrowhead concerns Michael Mayer, the second-year tight end from Notre Dame currently on the Raiders' roster. Mayer was on Kansas City’s radar during the 2023 draft and remains a long-term target.

At just 24, Mayer fits the mold of a future star: strong route-runner, great hands, and a natural feel for spacing. Any trade would require draft capital and AFC West negotiation finesse — but it’s a potential franchise investment in the post-Kelce era.

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Jake Briningstool: Undrafted but Undeniably Talented

Clemson product Jake Briningstool didn’t hear his name called on draft night, but he’s already making noise at OTAs. Standing 6'6" with excellent body control and a wide catch radius, he’s drawing comparisons to the early-career version of Kelce.

Briningstool has emerged as one of the more intriguing fantasy football sleepers 2025, especially if he carves out a red-zone role. Coaches have praised his attitude, adaptability, and ability to win one-on-ones — a must for any future TE1 in this offense.

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Noah Gray: The Steady Internal Option

Noah Gray has quietly developed into a reliable target. The 25-year-old Duke alum caught 40 passes last season and tallied 5 touchdowns as Kelce’s backup. While not flashy, he understands the Chiefs system and has Mahomes’ trust — a trait not to be underestimated.

Though he may not have the star upside of Mayer or the raw athleticism of Briningstool, Gray could serve as the bridge until a long-term solution emerges.

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Big Picture Strategy: Quiet Transition, Not Abrupt Replacement

The Chiefs aren’t pushing Kelce out — they’re planning ahead. The strategy is reminiscent of how New England handled the post-Gronk years: a mix of veteran steadiness and rookie auditions, building depth and options for the long term.

In an offense built around Mahomes, losing Kelce eventually will be a seismic shift. Kansas City’s goal now is to ensure that when that day comes, the next man up won’t be a question mark — he’ll be ready.

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Chiefs Kingdom may not want to think about life without Travis Kelce, but the team clearly is. Whether it’s Mayer via trade, Briningstool via development, or Gray holding the line — Kansas City is building options.

The real question is: when the Kelce era ends, will Mahomes already have his new security blanket in place?

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