The Kansas City Chiefs have an unusually long offseason ahead, one filled with key roster decisions that could include replacing their Hall of Fame tight end.
Travis Kelce had hinted at retirement in the past, which could leave the team with a big hole to replace in the offseason. One insider suggests they could take a big swing, using their uncharacteristically high draft pick to take the top tight end prospect this season.
Chiefs Predicted to Spend Big Draft Capital on Tight End
John Dillon of USA Today’s Chiefs Wire believes Kansas City could use their top draft pick on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Dillon suggested the Chiefs could get an early start on replacing Kelce with the athletic and talented Ducks tight end.
“Travis Kelce’s disposition for the 2026 season is unknown, but if he decides to retire at the end of the regular season, Kansas City will have a massive need to fill at the tight end position,” Dilon wrote. “Kelce’s veteran backup, Noah Gray, has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offense for years, but lacks the upside of a prospect like Sadiq, who could develop into one of the NFL’s most exciting pass-catchers.”
Sadiq has 40 receptions for 490 yards with eight touchdowns this season, earning some growing buzz as the college football season draws to a close. Sadiq is seen as one of the year’s top prospects, earning a ranking of No. 8 overall from ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
Kiper Jr. noted that Sadiq has explosive athleticism and consistency to earn a Top 10 draft spot.
“Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field,” Kiper Jr. wrote. “He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he’s nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.”
Chiefs Face Uncertainty Over Travis Kelce’s Future
Kelce decided to return for the 2025 season in part due to the disappointing Super Bowl loss last year, so it remains to be seen how the team’s non-playoff finish might factor into his decision for 2026. Kelce is set to become a free agent, so would need to sign a new contract with the Chiefs if he plans to come back for another NFL season.
Kelce himself has been quiet, but some insiders believe the end is near. Speaking on the âPat McAfee Showâ on Monday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter said he believes retirement is the most likely outcome for the tight end.
âWeâll see what he ultimately decides at the end of the year,â Schefter said. âI think his future is very much up in the air. I think itâs distinctly possible that one of the greatest NFL connections of all time, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, may have played their last down together, which is hard to imagine, but thatâs a real possibility here.â
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