The Kansas City Chiefs finished the regular season with a 6-11 record, missing the postseason for the first time since 2015. Both the offense and defense faltered in key moments, resulting in multiple one-score losses.
Further complicating matters, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is recovering from an ACL tear. He has indicated he will be ready for Week 1, but may not be at full strength. Tight end Travis Kelce is also nearing the end of his career. He is set to return in 2026, though it could be his final season.
Head coach Andy Reid and his staff have already begun reshaping the roster in free agency following the disappointing finish. The addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, along with several veteran defensive signings, has addressed some weaknesses. However, another move could still be forthcoming.
With the 2026 NFL Draft a month away, Kansas City may target a tight end as Kelce's long-term successor. According to Mario Puig of RotoWire, the Chiefs are projected to select Oregon Ducks' Kenyon Sadiq with the ninth overall pick. However, he may not see significant playing time early.
"The Chiefs would be a bad landing spot for Sadiq's 2026 fantasy prospects-Travis Kelce will remain heavily involved, and Noah Gray is unlikely to be benched-but if Kelce retires after 2026, it's easy to see Sadiq stepping into a high-upside role," Puig noted.
Sadiq recorded 560 yards on 51 receptions with eight touchdowns. Oregon finished the regular season 11-1 before losing to eventual national champion Indiana Hoosiers in the semifinal.
If he is drafted to the Chiefs, Sadiq will have big shoes to fill.
Kelce, drafted in 2013, has totaled 13,002 receiving yards on 1,080 receptions, along with 82 touchdowns and 690 first downs over his Kansas City career. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, his combination of size and athleticism has defined his success.
Sadiq's NFL Combine numbers are certainly encouraging with a 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame. He recorded a 4.39-second 40-yard dash(fastest ever for a tight end), 43.5-inch vertical and 11'1" broad jump.
If he is prepared to stay on the sidelines for much of his rookie season, he might see a productive future in Kansas City's colors, maybe even the next face of the franchise.
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