The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy rebuilding their team this offseason after missing out on the playoffs in 2025. While Patrick Mahomes‘ health is the big storyline as he recovers from a torn ACL and LCL this offseason, the rest of the team around him needs work. The Chiefs got a big boost, though, when star tight end Travis Kelce opted to put off retirement and re-sign with the team in free agency last month.
While Kelce remains one of the most productive tight ends in the league, it’s clear that the end of his playing days is drawing near. With that in mind, Kansas City is expected to look to add another tight end in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with team insider Matt McMullen recently picking out four players at this position who could be targeted when the Chiefs find themselves on the clock.
Chiefs’ Top Tight End Targets Emerge Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Even in his 13th season, Kelce remained arguably the most consistent pass catcher as the Chiefs’ disposal last season. The veteran tight end suited up in all 17 games, catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns. That’s a far cry from the numbers he was putting up during his prime, but for a tight end, that’s still a very productive season.
Kelce will be back in 2026 for his age-37 season, but it’s clear he will retire soon, if not after the upcoming season. Simply put, Kansas City needs to begin planning for life after Kelce, and this may be the perfect draft to put that plan into place, as several top-end targets are set to be available.
While Noah Gray has proven himself to be a reliable secondary option to Kelce, he probably isn’t going to be able to take over as the lead option once he calls it a career. As a result, McMullen believes that four tight end targets should be on the Chiefs’ radar: Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks, Eli Stowers of the Vanderbilt Commodores, Max Klare of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Justin Joly of the NC State Wolfpack.
Which Tight End Prospect Should the Chiefs Draft?
GettyOregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq trying to make a play during his Pro Day.
Each of these guys is among the top players available at the tight end position, with Sadiq being the only one with a first-round billing. The Chiefs have two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29 overall, but the first is too early to take Sadiq, while the second will likely be too late. Kansas City has the ability to move around the first round as it pleases, but it may be better off waiting until Day 2 of the draft and selecting one of Stowers, Klare, or Joly instead.
Tight end isn’t the most pressing need for K.C., so it makes more sense to invest its first-round picks at other spots. A Day 2 pick on one of their secondary targets likely would be the best path forward, especially since Kelce is still holding down the fort for the time being. As a result, it will be worth keeping close tabs on the tight end position as the draft unfolds next week.
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