Travis Kelce signed a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 season. However, although the official numbers say it’s a three-year deal, he’s effectively tied to the Chiefs for 2026 only. Even though he’s still a productive player, Kansas City should already look for his successor, and the draft provides a great opportunity.
Why the Chiefs Could Draft Kenyon Sadiq as Travis Kelce’s Successor
The Chiefs have an extra first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. However, the 2025 season proved that there are many other holes on the roster that should be addressed, and the tight end position is one of them.
A recent mock draft by PFSN’s Ian Cummings has the Chiefs landing a steal late in the first round. Kenyon Sadiq, the best tight end in the class, falls until the 29th pick and joins Andy Reid’s team.
“The Chiefs got the luck of the board in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Their first pick was BPA, and their second pick is arguably too. But this time, they also get to address a position of need by tabbing Kenyon Sadiq as tight end Travis Kelce’s successor.”
Although Sadiq, who recorded 11 total touchdowns and 80 receptions, is considered the best prospect in the position, filling the shoes of a player of Kelce’s caliber is all but impossible. Still, he has the potential to become a star in the position for a long period, and his partnership with Patrick Mahomes could produce great results for the franchise.
Sadiq’s intelligence to find spaces underneath coverages and getting yards after the catch would be an excellent addition for the offense, as noted by Cummings.
“At 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, with sub-32-inch arms, Sadiq doesn’t have Kelce’s size, but he supersedes Kelce with his vertical athleticism, and has the bend and fluidity to sear through zones, find soft spots in coverage, make body control grabs, and accrue RAC with his game-breaking speed.”
Pass catchers have been a big problem for the Chiefs in recent years. Kelce’s decline is part of the problem, but Kansas City simply hasn’t been able to find a true No. 1 receiver since Tyreek Hill was traded in 2022.
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In the past two seasons, the problem grew louder: Hollywood Brown, the No. 1 receiver in 2025, finished the season with 587 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Chiefs ranked as the No. 1 offense in 2022 in our PFSN Offense Impact Metric. Even with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, they fell to No. 17 in 2025. Adding playmakers is the most important step to return to the top, and Sadiq could be the perfect addition.
