The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy early on this offseason, but perhaps the biggest development for them is a move that didn’t take place. After retirement speculation swirled around him, superstar tight end Travis Kelce announced early in February that he would be returning for the 2025 campaign.

Kelce put up strong numbers in 2024, hauling in 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns. However, it was the second straight season in which his production declined, and it was fair to wonder whether or not he wanted to play into his age 36 season. He shot those retirement rumors down, though, in a text to Pat McAfee.

“I’m coming back for sure. Gonna try to get into the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop,” Kelce wrote in the text. “Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and with how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”

Even though Kelce is sticking around for at least one more year, it’s clear retirement is approaching for him. As a result, the Chiefs are predicted to find their potential replacement for Kelce in the 2025 NFL draft, with Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports having them land Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo in his latest mock draft.

Arroyo stood out in 2024 with Miami, catching 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns. He has a big frame at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, making him a red zone target that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could fall in love with once Kelce retires.

Perhaps making this an even sweeter deal for Kansas City is that they manage to land Arroyo in the second round, using the No. 63 pick to select him. The 2025 NFL draft is set to get underway at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 24, and run until Saturday, April 24.