Kansas City Chiefs Linked To Perfect Replacement For Travis Kelce

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of questions to answer in the 2026 NFL offseason. Coming off their first elimination from playoff contention, the Chiefs have to regroup and recoup to try to assemble a competitive roster again.

It is expected that they lose several players in the offseason, including tight end Travis Kelce, one of the best players in franchise history. At 36, Kelce is past his prime, and the possibility of seeing him retire has circled the fanbase for the last couple of seasons.

Ayrton Ostly of USA Today released a Christmas mock, in which the Chiefs land Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Ostly considers that Sadiq would be a capable replacement for Kelce, who has been with the team since 2014.

“The Chiefs’ offense lacks a dynamic weapon in the passing game,” Ostly wrote. “If they’re not going to invest in the running game, Sadiq is the best gift we could give the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes at this point of the first round. He’s an impressive vertical threat and just 20 years old with plenty of room to develop into a top tight end in the league.”

Travis Kelce Was Emotional During Final National Anthem At Arrowhead

Amid rumors and speculation about his future, Travis Kelce appears to be dropping hints about his future in the league. The veteran played his potential final game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday against the Denver Broncos.

Cameras caught Kelce emotional while the national anthem played ahead of the AFC West duel.

.@tkelce soaking it all in. #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/WxgYB0sXIi

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) December 26, 2025

Kelce has yet to announce his plans, but many believe he is done playing NFL football. After a 13-year career, Kelce has recorded 1,077 receptions for 12,990 yards and 82 touchdowns in 190 games.

The Chiefs will close out the season against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.