Quality replacements for Travis Kelce
By: Jake Rajala
The All-Pro tight end, Travis Kelce, has hinted at retirement after this season. He’s 36 years old, and he’s on a team that doesn’t look like a dynasty team anymore. With that said, I’m going to lay out five potential replacements for him.
David Njoku
If the 2026 free agent David Njoku can make magic happen in Cleveland, he can be an annual Pro Bowler with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023, by way of 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Njoku is also 29 years old, which isn’t old in TE years.
Darren Waller
The Raiders legend, Darren Waller, has been a touchdown machine in 2025, as he has six TD grabs. Waller is coming off his best game, where he had two TDs. Of course, Waller came out of retirement in 2025. Hopefully, the 33 year old sticks around for a couple of more years.
Taysom Hill
The former BYU figure that can squat 600 pounds, Taysom Hill, can shine from many spots, but he may be at his best from the slot, where he can have a mismatch and make plays in space. Hill could be the perfect player to take the snap under center, too. On the flipside, Hill is 35 years old.
Gronk
Gronk has come out of retirement already. If he would come back to play with a glorious QB, it would be Patrick Mahomes. At least, he may come back for a playoff run. He is 36 years old and he hasn’t played in a couple of seasons, so he may not be in the best of shape. A Patriots reunion with Drake Maye would be romantic, too.
Zach Ertz
Yes, Zach Ertz is 35. However, he is still playing at a high level. He has 504 yards right now, despite playing in an offense without the rookie sensation Jayden Daniels for the majority of the season. Ertz may not be the three time Pro Bowler he once was, but he can be a modest TE1 for a couple of more seasons.
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