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Chiefs Predicted to Land Travis Kelce's Replacement Amid NFL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 11:31 AM ET

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs fell well short of a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance. After beginning the season 6-5, the team lost six straight games, finishing 6-11. It's their first time missing the postseason since 2014 and their first losing season since 2012.

In his 13th season, Kelce put up solid numbers. The former third-round pick hauled in 76 receptions (led the team) for 851 yards (led the team) and five touchdowns (tied for most). However, he is 36 years old and far from the same player who had seven straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2016 to 2022.

With a retirement decision looming, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says there has been "good dialogue" between Kelce and the team. Even if he does return for a 14th season, Kansas City may be eyeing his eventual replacement.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87).Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

With his future in question, Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling predicts the Chiefs will select Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"Patrick Mahomes needs more weapons, no matter where they line up on the field," Easterling wrote. "In this scenario, their best bet could be to replace Travis Kelce with an elite athlete in Sadiq, who has a sky-high ceiling with his rare physical traits."

Sadiq just put together his most productive season with Oregon, hitting career highs in receptions (51), yards (560) and touchdowns (eight). His efforts earned him second-team honors as an AP All-American.

He was impressive at the NFL scouting combine, leading tight ends in the 40-yard dash (4.39 seconds), 10-yard split (1.54 seconds), and was second in the vertical jump (43.50"), broad jump (11'1") and bench press (26 reps).

At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq does have a smaller frame than Kelce (6-foot-5 and 255 pounds), coming out of college. However, he's still an ideal size for an NFL tight end with well-above-average athleticism.

If Kelce were to return, there aren't many better options for a young tight end to learn behind than the three-time Super Bowl champion and eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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