Chiefs quietly sign top undrafted tight end who could become Travis Kelce's long-term replacement

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another run at the Super Bowl, one of the franchise’s most pressing long-term questions continues to loom large — what happens after Travis Kelce ? At 36 years old by the time the 2025 season kicks off, the legendary tight end remains one of the league’s most reliable weapons. But even the most iconic careers reach their sunset eventually, and the Chiefs may have quietly taken their first real step toward the future.

Kansas City Chiefs may have just landed Travis Kelce’s successor with sneaky UDFA tight end signing

Shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, Kansas City made a subtle yet potentially impactful move by signing former Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool as an undrafted free agent. While the move didn’t make headlines like a blockbuster trade or first-round pick, it could prove to be one of the smarter under-the-radar additions of the offseason.

The #Chiefs are signing Clemson TE Jake Briningstool.

Per, @MZenitz. pic.twitter.com/kSinsfBDmf

— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) April 26, 2025

Briningstool brings an intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and proven production. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 241 pounds, he holds the record for most career receptions by a tight end at Clemson with 127. His 2024 campaign saw him haul in 49 passes for 530 yards and seven touchdowns — all while playing in a system that didn't always prioritize tight ends. His performance at the NFL Combine also turned heads, clocking a 4.75-second 40-yard dash, ranking him among the top 10 at his position.

While Kelce and Noah Gray remain firmly entrenched atop the Chiefs' tight end depth chart, the third spot is up for grabs — and Briningstool has a legitimate shot. More than just a camp body, he has been viewed as a developmental prospect with high upside, someone the Chiefs could mold into a reliable red-zone target and long-term asset.

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised Briningstool’s potential, noting, "What Briningstool lacks in mass he makes up for with toughness in both phases. He’s a possession-based tight end who majors in zone-beaters but will struggle to separate against man coverage." Zierlein also highlighted his ability to operate with "good body control and strong hands at the catch point."

Given Kansas City’s issues in the passing game last season — where rookie Xavier Worthy stood out as the only consistent vertical threat — it's no surprise the team is prioritizing more versatile receiving options. While they only selected one pass catcher in the draft, wide receiver Jaylen Royals, the addition of Briningstool shows a deliberate effort to address a potential succession plan behind the scenes.

If Briningstool can polish his blocking and prove his worth in camp, he may not just make the 53-man roster — he could be the next chapter in the Chiefs’ long history of tight end excellence. In a franchise known for turning overlooked prospects into stars, this move might age better than anyone expects.

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