Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has made some significant changes after experiencing his least productive receiving season. The famed tight end has lost approximately 25 pounds this offseason, according to reporter Jeremy Fowler from ESPN, after playing the 2024 season heavier than in previous years. Last season, the Chiefs listed Kelce at 250 pounds, and he is aiming to return for his age-36 season at a more athletic 225 pounds.

Although Kelce did not participate in the Chiefs’ offseason training activities, there are expectations for him to return just in time for next week’s mandatory minicamp. This minicamp will provide the team with its first opportunity to evaluate a lighter version of Kelce, who caught 97 passes but recorded career-low yardage (823) and touchdowns (three) last season.

The 823 yards were the fewest Kelce recorded since starting his career in 2014, while the three touchdowns were also fewer than the four he logged in 2016.

While he may have experienced a drop in explosive performance and efficiency, Kelce still managed to tally 97 catches, tying for his fourth-highest total in a single season. The Chiefs continued to rely on him heavily in their passing game, though his reduced efficiency marked a shift from his previously dominant offensive presence.

The upcoming season will be critical for Kelce, as it represents the final year of his current contract. Speculation arises around the possibility of it being his last with the Chiefs and in the NFL, as Kelce is expected to earn $17.25 million, a significant portion of which comes from a $12.5 million roster bonus.