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Kansas City Chiefs: Should They Draft Travis Kelce's Replacement In the 2026 NFL Draft?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Glenn Kaplan | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 11:06 AM ET

It is surprising that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is returning for another NFL season. Many thought that he would have been retired already, but Kelce decided to give it another go around.

He is 36 years old at the moment and will turn 37 the 2026 NFL season. During the 2025 NFL season, Kelce caught 76 passes for 851 yards receiving and five touchdowns, along with averaging 11.2 yards per reception. He was also targeted 11 times. Travis is no doubt going to be a future first ballot hall of famer.

With that being said, Kansas City needs to have a plan at the tight end position for when he does finally decide to retire and play no more. The Chiefs will have the ninth overall pick and the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Should this be the year where they finally find his replacement in the draft?

Kansas City Chiefs Should Consider Drafting Kenyon Sadiq in Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

There is one tight end that is projected to be drafted in the first round and that is Oregon Ducks Kenyon Sadiq. He has not been projected to be a Top 10 selection, but Sadiq has been projected to go anywhere between 15-25.

With the Chiefs having two first round selections, this could be the chance for them to draft Kelce's replacement. Kansas City would need to draft him ninth overall. They cannot afford to wait until the 30th selection. If they were to do that, the Chiefs would have to move up in order to draft him,

There is no doubt tight end is going to be a need for Kansas City. They also need help on the offensive line, the defensive line, and at cornerback as well. The Chiefs are better off reaching for him rather than waiting until the end of the first round.

This would be more ideal for them if they want to have Sadiq for the long term. Last season with Oregon, he caught 51 passes for 560 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, along with averaging 11.0 yards per reception. He also rushed for six yards on three carries.

Sadiq would be a very good fit for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He would also be able to ease into Andy Reid's offense. Sadiq is 6'3" and weighs 245 lbs. If the Chiefs do not draft him, teams like the New York Jets, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Denver Broncos could draft him. Sadiq would also be able to learn a lot from Kelce in Kansas City before his potential retirement.

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

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