As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate the 2025 season, conversations about the team’s future have already begun to shift toward life after their legendary tight end. With one of the NFL’s all-time greats nearing the twilight of his career, draft analysts believe the franchise may soon find his successor.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Tight End Transition Could Be Near
According to PFSN’s Mark Stolte, the Chiefs are projected to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft. In his recent mock draft, Stolte described Sadiq as a player capable of filling a crucial role in the Chiefs’ offense.
“It’s time to face the music for Travis Kelce,” Stolte wrote, adding that while Kelce “is one of the greatest tight ends of all time and deserves his flowers,” his recent seasons suggest that “he has been past his prime.”
Stolte’s projection stems from an analytical look at the Chiefs’ offensive metrics. Though the team still ranks sixth in the league in EPA per play, their efficiency when targeting the tight end position has dropped dramatically, currently sitting 25th. That decline has sparked conversations about the team’s need for a new dynamic weapon for Patrick Mahomes.
Stolte highlighted Sadiq’s skill set, noting that he brings exceptional playmaking potential after the catch, remarkable speed and agility, along with a strong commitment to blocking effectively.
The Oregon standout’s positional versatility, lining up both in-line and in the slot, makes him an intriguing fit for Andy Reid’s creative offense. “Andy Reid would have a field day with this type of player,” Stolte added, pointing out that Sadiq has also contributed on special teams, showcasing his adaptability.
Sadiq’s on-field production in 2025 backs up the hype. During his ongoing season at Oregon, he has recorded 15 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.6 yards per catch.
His contributions extended beyond the passing game as well. He added six rushing yards on three carries, bringing his total scrimmage yards to 210 for the year. Those numbers reflect a well-rounded offensive presence that continues to grow each season.
While mock drafts are speculative, this prediction arrives at a pivotal time for the Chiefs. In August 2025, PFSN’s Priyanshu Choudhary reported that Travis Kelce, then 35, had chosen to return for “at least one more season” following the most challenging year of his career.
Coming off career-low numbers in receiving yards and touchdowns, Kelce admitted to GQ that “it might have slipped a little bit because I did have a little bit more focus in trying to set myself up” for opportunities beyond football.
Still, the veteran emphasized his determination to uphold his standards, saying, “I just have such a motivation to show up this year for my guys.” His focus, as Choudhary reported, stayed unwavering as he declared that winning a Super Bowl was his sole mission and ultimate objective.
Whether the 2025 season marks Kelce’s final chapter or not, Stolte’s projection offers a glimpse into how the Chiefs might prepare for the inevitable transition. If Sadiq lives up to his billing as a tight end “with unreal athleticism,” the Chiefs’ next era at the position could already be taking shape.
