The Chiefs Are Being 'Urged' To Draft Travis Kelce's Replacement

The Kansas City Chiefs are being "urged" to draft Travis Kelce's replacement heading into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft later this week.

Kelce, 36, reached a deal to return to Kansas City for the 2026 season. It could be his final one in the league. The three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end has considered retirement in each of the past two seasons.

"He is going to turn down more money to stay in Kansas City, to be loyal, to be with Patrick Mahomes and continue to have another shot at the Super Bowl," NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network.

Kelce, who played collegiately at Cincinnati, is getting up there in age, but he's still a valuable player. He caught 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns during the 2025 season.

But as Kelce approaches what could be his final NFL season, the Chiefs are being urged to draft his replacement.

Chiefs could select Kelce's replacement this year

Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano believes that the Chiefs need to draft Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 9 overall pick.

"The Chiefs have a massive need at corner after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson," Manzano wrote. "But there's depth at cornerback in this year's class, and a few intriguing prospects could be available in the later rounds.

"Kansas City should look ahead and add Sadiq to eventually replace Travis Kelce. He can learn from one of the best ever at the position while offensive mastermind Andy Reid builds a unique set of plays for the athletically gifted Oregon tight end. (Sadiq ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine.)"

Sadiq had 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns during his time at Oregon. Those aren't exactly first round NFL Draft pick numbers. However, NFL teams are quite high on Sadiq's potential.

And he could learn from one of the NFL's best ever in Kansas City.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 9:58 AM.