Patrick Mahomes could soon get a new tight end as mock draft raises Travis Kelce future questions

The Kansas City Chiefs may soon start planning for life after Travis Kelce. A new mock draft from Sports Illustrated suggests the team could target young tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft. Writer Mark Morales-Smith predicted that Kansas City might select Sadiq with the No. 9 overall pick if they want a long-term replacement for their legendary pass catcher.

The timing of that prediction is important. Kelce recently confirmed he will return for another season, but many around the league believe the upcoming year could be his final run in the NFL. If that happens, Kansas City will need a new target for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In Morales-Smith’s mock draft, Sadiq is seen as the type of player who could grow into that role.

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes era pushes Kansas City Chiefs to consider Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq

The idea behind the prediction is simple. The Chiefs have relied on Travis Kelce for more than a decade. He has been Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted receiver and one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history. But Kelce is now 36 years old, so Kansas City must start thinking about the future.

That is where Kenyon Sadiq comes into the picture. Sadiq played college football for the Oregon Ducks and built a reputation as a strong, athletic tight end. He stands about 6-foot-3 and weighs around 245 pounds, giving him the size teams want at the position.

During the 2025 college football season, Sadiq caught 51 passes for 560 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Coaches also used him in creative ways. He carried the ball a few times as a runner, finishing his college career with nine rushing attempts for 42 yards.

Across his time at Oregon, Sadiq recorded 80 receptions for 892 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. When rushing yards are included, his total offensive production reached about 934 yards. That ability to do a little bit of everything is one reason analysts believe he could succeed in the NFL.

If the Chiefs actually draft him, Sadiq would step into one of the league’s most quarterback-friendly situations. Catching passes from Patrick Mahomes has helped many players produce big numbers, and a young tight end could benefit even more.

Still, replacing Travis Kelce would not be easy. Kansas City selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and he has spent his entire career with the team. Over 13 seasons, Kelce earned multiple All-Pro honors, several Pro Bowl selections, and three Super Bowl rings alongside Mahomes.

Off the field, Kelce also became one of the most talked-about figures in sports because of his relationship with singer Taylor Swift. The couple revealed their engagement in August 2025, adding another layer of public attention around the star tight end.

For now, Kelce is still on the roster and chasing another championship. But if the Chiefs truly want to prepare for the future, Kenyon Sadiq could become a name worth watching when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives.






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