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T<\/span>he Kansas City Chiefs<\/a><\/strong> closed out the 2025 NFL season with a disappointing 6-11 record following a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders<\/strong> on Sunday in what could be Travis Kelce’s<\/a><\/strong> last game. Now, they might be preparing to replace him.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Chiefs players aren’t ready to move on from Travis Kelce<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n The season’s struggles included a six-game losing streak to close the year, which now positions Kansas City<\/strong> with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n The offseason ahead promises significant changes for the Chiefs<\/strong>, particularly on offense. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes<\/strong> is working his way back from a long-term knee injury, and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy<\/strong> has emerged as a candidate for several open head coaching positions around the league. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, tight end Kelce<\/strong> faces a crossroads as his contract nears its end. <\/p>\n The three-time Super Bowl champion has hinted at retirement possibilities, which would leave a major void in Kansas City<\/strong>‘s passing attack.<\/p>\n Kelce<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n 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<\/strong> has captured attention for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift<\/strong>, leading to speculation that retirement could be on the horizon.<\/p>\n The Chiefs<\/strong> are already preparing for potential transitions, with draft analysts highlighting the need to secure a playmaking tight end to maintain Mahomes<\/strong>‘ offensive dominance.<\/p>\n Todd McShay<\/strong> of The Ringer<\/strong> highlighted a top candidate for Kansas City<\/strong> in his first official 2026 mock draft.<\/p>\n “A lot of retirement news, potentially, about Travis Kelce<\/strong>,” McShay<\/strong> declared.<\/p>\n “Regardless, Kenyon Sadiq<\/strong>, tight end, Oregon<\/strong>. This is going to be a retooled Chiefs<\/strong> next year. Mahomes<\/strong>, get him a difference maker.”<\/p>\n Sadiq<\/strong>, a 6-foot-3 junior from the Oregon Ducks<\/strong>, earned 2025 Big Ten<\/strong> Tight End of the Year honors and helped lead his team to the College Football Playoff<\/strong> as the No. 5 seed. <\/p>\n Oregon<\/strong> is set to face the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers<\/strong> in the Peach Bowl<\/strong> semifinal on Friday. Sadiq<\/strong>‘s consistency as a red-zone threat and his ability to create separation against elite defenses.<\/p>\n In addition to his accolades, Sadiq<\/strong> has been a critical part of Oregon<\/strong>‘s passing game alongside quarterback Dante Moore<\/strong>. <\/p>\n He leads all Ducks<\/strong> pass-catchers in receptions with 46 and ranks second in receiving yards with 531. <\/p>\n Among all FBS<\/strong> tight ends, Sadiq<\/strong> has recorded the most receiving touchdowns with eight, making him one of the most productive players at his position this season.<\/p>\n NFL draft insiders from The Athletic<\/strong> and CBS Sports<\/strong> have emphasized that a player like Sadiq<\/strong> could provide the Chiefs<\/strong> with a seamless transition if Kelce<\/strong> does retire. <\/p>\n His size, hands, and route-running ability align well with Mahomes<\/strong>‘ skill set, offering the team a potential weapon capable of stretching defenses vertically while maintaining reliability in short and intermediate routes.<\/p>\n As the Chiefs<\/strong> prepare for the 2026 season, the combination of Mahomes<\/strong>‘ recovery, potential coaching changes, and Kelce<\/strong>‘s future will define the franchise’s path forward. <\/p>\nChiefs target top TE in 2026 Draft<\/h2>\n
A plug-and-play replacement<\/h2>\n