The Kansas City Chiefs closed out the 2025 NFL season with a disappointing 6-11 record following a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in what could be Travis Kelce’s last game. Now, they might be preparing to replace him.
The defeat officially ended their playoff streak that had begun in 2015, marking the first time the team will miss the postseason in over a decade.
Chiefs players aren’t ready to move on from Travis Kelce
The season’s struggles included a six-game losing streak to close the year, which now positions Kansas City with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The offseason ahead promises significant changes for the Chiefs, particularly on offense. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is working his way back from a long-term knee injury, and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has emerged as a candidate for several open head coaching positions around the league.
Meanwhile, tight end Kelce faces a crossroads as his contract nears its end.
The three-time Super Bowl champion has hinted at retirement possibilities, which would leave a major void in Kansas City‘s passing attack.
Kelce made history on Sunday by becoming the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 13,000 career receiving yards, accomplishing the feat in just 192 games, all with the Chiefs.
He closed the 2025 season leading the team with 75 catches, 851 yards, and five touchdowns, tied for the team lead. Off the field, Kelce has captured attention for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, leading to speculation that retirement could be on the horizon.
The Chiefs are already preparing for potential transitions, with draft analysts highlighting the need to secure a playmaking tight end to maintain Mahomes‘ offensive dominance.
Chiefs target top TE in 2026 Draft
Todd McShay of The Ringer highlighted a top candidate for Kansas City in his first official 2026 mock draft.
“A lot of retirement news, potentially, about Travis Kelce,” McShay declared.
“Regardless, Kenyon Sadiq, tight end, Oregon. This is going to be a retooled Chiefs next year. Mahomes, get him a difference maker.”
Sadiq, a 6-foot-3 junior from the Oregon Ducks, earned 2025 Big Ten Tight End of the Year honors and helped lead his team to the College Football Playoff as the No. 5 seed.
Oregon is set to face the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday. Sadiq‘s consistency as a red-zone threat and his ability to create separation against elite defenses.
In addition to his accolades, Sadiq has been a critical part of Oregon‘s passing game alongside quarterback Dante Moore.
He leads all Ducks pass-catchers in receptions with 46 and ranks second in receiving yards with 531.
Among all FBS tight ends, Sadiq has recorded the most receiving touchdowns with eight, making him one of the most productive players at his position this season.
A plug-and-play replacement
NFL draft insiders from The Athletic and CBS Sports have emphasized that a player like Sadiq could provide the Chiefs with a seamless transition if Kelce does retire.
His size, hands, and route-running ability align well with Mahomes‘ skill set, offering the team a potential weapon capable of stretching defenses vertically while maintaining reliability in short and intermediate routes.
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2026 season, the combination of Mahomes‘ recovery, potential coaching changes, and Kelce‘s future will define the franchise’s path forward.
Adding a top-tier tight end like Sadiq could not only soften the blow of a potential Kelce departure but also position Kansas City to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving AFC.