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The Kansas City Chiefs took another step toward the 2026 NFL Draft by hosting their annual local pro day, giving area prospects a chance to work out in front of coaches and scouts. The event included 37 players with ties to local high schools and colleges, including programs like Kansas, Kansas State, and Missouri.
Among those in attendance were tight ends John Michael Gyllenborg and Johnny Pascuzzi, two local prospects who could factor into the team’s long-term plans at the position as Travis Kelce enters the later stages of his career.
Chiefs Local Pro Day Highlights Travis Kelce Replacement Options
Gyllenborg and Pascuzzi both participated in the workout as part of the Chiefs’ evaluation process ahead of the draft. Each player has ties to the Kansas City area through their high school careers at Rockhurst before moving on to Division I programs.
Gyllenborg, who played at Wyoming, stands 6-foot-6 and has the athleticism to challenge defenses. His production hasn’t fully matched his physical tools, but his size and movement still give him potential at the next level.
Pascuzzi, who most recently played at Tulane after transferring from Iowa, posted 12 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown during his final season. He was used primarily as a depth option and is expected to be a potential undrafted free agent.
General Manager Brett Veach has loved drafting players who have ties to the local area.
Gyllenborg and Pascuzzi, as well as Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson, who has also met with the team, are all names to watch for in the third round of the upcoming draft.
The Chiefs have a history of developing tight ends, making these evaluations important as the team looks to build depth behind Kelce.
Travis Kelce Returns as Chiefs Prepare for the Future
Kelce is not stepping away from the game just yet. The veteran tight end will return for his 14th NFL season after agreeing to a one-year contract worth $12 million, with incentives that could increase the value to $15 million, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Kelce reportedly turned down higher offers from other teams to remain in Kansas City. His decision followed weeks of discussions with the organization after the Super Bowl.
Veach also shared insight into those conversations. Speaking on “The Schrager Hour,” Veach said Kelce made it clear he was not ready to retire.
“I think there was more doubt in the middle of the season,” Veach said.
Veach explained that after the season ended — following Patrick Mahomes’ ACL injury — Kelce’s message stood out during his exit interview. “Travis basically said, ‘I’m not going out like this, let’s stay in touch,’” Veach said, adding that Kelce shared a similar message with Reid.
Veach said Head Coach Andy Reid later confirmed that feeling. “Did you talk to Trav? I think he’s going to play again,” Reid told him.
The Chiefs gave Kelce space after those conversations but remained hopeful he would return.
Kelce, 36, is coming off a season in which he recorded 76 receptions on 108 targets for 851 yards. While those totals were his lowest in a decade, he still earned a Pro Bowl selection for the 11th consecutive year.
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