The Kansas City Chiefs face decisions about their offensive future following their Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with Travis Kelce’s status becoming a key focus.
The Chiefs could save $17 million in salary cap space by releasing Kelce, who turns 35 before next season. The 12-year veteran hasn’t announced his plans for 2024.
Kansas City’s front office has begun exploring potential replacements through the NFL draft.
Pro Football Focus projects LSU tight end Mason Taylor as a third-round target for the Chiefs at No. 66 overall.
"Taylor totaled 599 receiving yards in 2024, with 100 yards coming after the catch," PFF’s Josh Liskiewitz wrote. "He also proved reliable in tight coverage, securing nine of 17 contested targets."
Taylor caught two touchdowns in 2023, averaging 9.9 yards per reception over 12 games.
Bleacher Report also rates Taylor as a third-round prospect, comparing him to Packers tight end Tucker Kraft.
"Overall, Mason Taylor projects as a top-two tight end on the offensive depth chart," wrote Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson. "He is a good and reliable pass catcher. Taylor can defeat man coverage but excels against zone coverages, where his instincts are essential. He can be an adequate starting tight end if given the opportunity."
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Taylor comes from NFL bloodlines as the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor.
The Chiefs’ offensive line struggled in the Super Bowl loss, making tackle their likely first-round priority. Kelce, a third-round selection at No. 63 overall in 2013, has been the NFL’s premier tight end for most of his career.
