The Kansas City Chiefs won’t have to worry about replacing Travis Kelce just yet, with the All-Pro tight end announcing that he’s putting off retirement and returning to the team in 2026.
But the Chiefs have hinted at a potential succession plan, hyping up a top tight end prospect who has been a popular pick for them in mock drafts.
Chiefs Hint at Kenyon Sadiq Draft Pick
The Chiefs took to social media this week to share some hype around Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who is considered among the best at his position in this year’s draft.
“This prospect led all FBS tight ends with eight touchdown grabs last season,” the team shared in a post on X, accompanied by a highlight reel of Sadiq in college.
SI.com insider Albert Breer noted that the Chiefs have plenty of options with the No. 9 overall pick — and lots of holes to fill across their roster. He listed Sadiq among the options
“I think at No. 9, youâre looking at corner, receiver and edge as possibilities, with the need to backstop the tackle position at some point in the draft,” Breer wrote. “Also, the idea of taking Oregonâs Kenyon Sadiq at the very least is a consideration.”
While Sadiq would fill an immediate need by giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes another potential target, it could also provide a long-term solution to when Kelce eventually decides to retire.
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic suggested the Chiefs could seize this now-and-later approach by taking Sadiq.
“Even the short-term potential of a Patrick Mahomes-led offense featuring Kelce, Sadiq, [Kenneth] Walker and Xavier Worthy is something Iâd buy a ticket to see,” Baumgardner said. “Sadiqâs long-term potential as Kelceâs successor and Mahomesâ new best friend is obvious. He is an extremely special athlete and the prototype for a modern tight end prospect â he can play inline and hold his own against tackles and edges; heâs an excellent space blocker who can deliver a blow on the move; heâs big enough to body small defensive backs and fast enough to run around many of them.”
Chiefs Could Be Planning Travis Kelce’s Exit
While Kelce signed a three-year deal when he returned to the Chiefs this offseason, many NFL experts believe he won’t stay in Kansas City until it expires. SI.com insider Albert Breer noted that the contract seems to pave the way for Kelce to leave next offseason.
“The Chiefs have a long-standing policy of not doing void years, and the above two rules allow them to sidestep that (using a tactic the Eagles have over the years),” Breer wrote. “Kelce has minimum salaries built into dummy years in 2027 and 2028, with a $40 million guarantee for 2028 vesting June 8 of next yearâwhich will force the Chiefs to release him by then, and allow for them to spread the dead money out, since the date falls after June 1.”
That could make it more imperative for the team to land Sadiq, who would be able to work his way into the offense over the course of the season before taking over as TE1 after Kelce’s expected retirement.
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