Why insiders think this Oregon tight end can help Chiefs prepare for a future without Travis Kelce

Fans have made their peace with the fact that there will be no playoffs for the Kansas City Chiefs this year. The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into a longer-than-usual offseason, which may bring in some major roster moves, including a shift for their ever-consistent tight end, Travis Kelce.

Travis Kelce has addressed the possibility of his retirement more than once in the last few months, and it’s clear in his mind. But needless to say, his exit will leave a significant void in the offense. If Kelce does indeed retire as soon as next year, the Chiefs should probably make an aggressive move in the upcoming draft.

Why Chiefs bosses may have their eye on Kenyon Sadiq as a replacement for Travis Kelce

Sports analyst John Dillon has suggested that Kansas City could target Oregon standout Kenyon Sadiq with their first pick. According to Dillon, Sadiq could help the Chiefs prepare for a future without Kelce, since he can be developed into a high-upside playmaker.

“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.”



As per records, Sadiq has 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns; he’s considered one of the top prospects in this year’s class, and draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him eighth overall. Kiper Jr. shared that Sadiq’s innate athleticism and consistency helps him towards 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.

Kelce has been mum about his future, which has only fueled speculation. Some insiders believe it makes sense for him to retire after this season and gives him a clean break. Speaking on the “Pat McAfee Show” NFL insider Adam Schefter said he believes retirement is the most likely outcome for Travis Kelce.

“We’ll see what he ultimately decides at the end of the year,” Schefter said. “I think his future is very much up in the air. I think it’s 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 that’s a real possibility here.