Travis Kelce’s Decline: Is the Chiefs Star Losing His Edge?
Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs nearly made history last season, coming within one game of winning a third straight Super Bowl—a feat no NFL team has ever accomplished. However, their run was halted by the dominant Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, leaving fans wondering if Kelce’s best days are behind him.
In that championship game, Kelce had an unusually quiet performance, finishing with just four catches for 39 yards—far below his usual impact. His struggles raised questions about whether he might retire, but the veteran tight end has confirmed he’s returning for at least one more season.
Analyst Predicts a Steep Drop-Off for Kelce
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco recently ranked Kelce as the No. 96 player in the NFL—a massive drop from his No. 18 ranking last year. Prisco pointed to signs of decline, noting Kelce’s career-low 8.5 yards per catch in 2024.
“Age started to look like it was impacting Kelce’s play last season,” Prisco said. “He had moments, but the consistency wasn’t there.” With Kelce turning 36 this season, Prisco believes younger players like Ladd McConkey and Bucky Irving have already surpassed him in impact.
Mahomes Still Reigns Supreme
While Kelce’s stock is falling, Prisco remains bullish on Patrick Mahomes, ranking him as the No. 1 player in the NFL for the second straight year. Despite slightly lower numbers recently, Prisco expects a bounce-back season with improved weapons around him.
“With an improved offensive line and better receivers, his numbers will go up this year,” Prisco predicted. Mahomes, who turns 30 this season, is still seen as the league’s top quarterback.
What’s Next for Kelce and the Chiefs?
Kelce’s role remains crucial in Kansas City’s offense, but if his production continues to dip, the Chiefs may need to rely more on younger pass-catchers like Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy. Still, Kelce’s chemistry with Mahomes and his playoff experience make him invaluable—even if he’s no longer the dominant force he once was.
Final Thoughts
Travis Kelce’s decline may be inevitable given his age, but writing him off completely would be a mistake. Even a diminished Kelce is still one of the best tight ends in the league, and his leadership in big games is irreplaceable. If the Chiefs can surround Mahomes with more weapons, Kelce may not need to carry the offense like he once did—but he’ll still be a key piece in their quest for another championship.
