The Kansas City Chiefs have entered unfamiliar territory this offseason after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season, bringing an abrupt end to a decade long run of postseason appearances that defined one of the NFL’s most dominant eras.

For a franchise accustomed to January football and Super Bowl contention, the disappointment of a lost season has quickly shifted focus toward difficult questions about the roster, leadership, and the future of several cornerstone players.

At the center of that uncertainty is Travis Kelce, the legendary tight end whose impact on the Chiefs’ success over the past decade is impossible to overstate, both statistically and culturally.

Kelce, now 36 years old, has built a Hall of Fame résumé in Kansas City, recording 1,080 receptions, 13,002 receiving yards, and 82 touchdowns while earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and winning three Super Bowls.

Those numbers place him among the greatest tight ends in NFL history and firmly establish him as one of the most important players the Chiefs have ever had.

Despite that legacy, speculation surrounding Kelce’s future intensified following the season finale, when he acknowledged uncertainty about returning by telling reporters, “I’ll get close to the family and figure things out.”

Even if Kelce chooses to return for a 14th season, signs of a gradual shift are already visible within the Chiefs’ offense, where his role has subtly changed over the past year.

During the 2025 season, Kelce finished with 108 targets and 76 receptions, his lowest totals since 2015, when he recorded 103 targets and 72 catches.

While still productive and respected by opposing defenses, those numbers suggest that the offense may already be preparing for a future where Kelce is no longer its central focal point.

That possibility has fueled draft speculation, particularly with Kansas City holding a high first round pick after a disappointing campaign.

Fox Sports draft analyst Rob Rang believes the Chiefs could use the 2026 NFL Draft to begin planning for life after Kelce, potentially selecting his long term replacement sooner rather than later.

In his latest projection, Rang predicts Kansas City will select Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 9 overall pick, signaling a proactive approach to roster transition.

Rang noted that while many teams drafting near the top are still sorting out coaching situations, the Chiefs benefit from long term stability with Andy Reid firmly in place.

“With the future Hall of Famer Andy Reid, the Chiefs don’t have that problem,” Rang wrote, “but they could use the draft to help replace another living legend in Travis Kelce, who might be hanging up his cleats.”

Rang also acknowledged that Sadiq is not a direct replica of Kelce, noting differences in size and hands, but emphasized the Oregon tight end’s physicality and versatility.

“Sadiq isn’t as big or sure handed as Kelce, but he’s a bowling ball with the rock in his hands and a ferocious blocker who could make Kansas City more versatile on offense,” Rang added.

Sadiq is coming off the most productive season of his college career, emerging as a key weapon for Oregon during the 2025 campaign.

In 13 games, he recorded 46 receptions for 531 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which represent career highs for the junior tight end.

At 6 foot 3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq combines strength and mobility, traits that have made him effective both as a receiver after the catch and as a physical blocker in the run game.

His breakout year earned him second team AP All American honors, further boosting his draft profile and placing him firmly on the radar of NFL evaluators.

However, not everyone agrees with Rang’s projection, as some draft analysts believe selecting Sadiq at No. 9 overall would be a reach.

ESPN’s draft board currently lists Sadiq as the 25th best available player, suggesting that his projected value may fall later in the first round.

That discrepancy highlights the broader debate facing Kansas City as it balances immediate needs with long term planning during a pivotal offseason.

With Kelce weighing retirement, Patrick Mahomes coming off a difficult year, and the Chiefs aiming to reset after missing the playoffs, every decision will carry significant weight.

Whether the Chiefs ultimately target Sadiq or another prospect entirely, the idea of preparing for Kelce’s eventual departure appears increasingly realistic.

For now, the franchise waits as Kelce reflects on his future and the draft approaches, with April 23 looming as the next major milestone in Kansas City’s effort to retool and reestablish itself as an AFC power.

The coming months may define the next era of Chiefs football, marking the transition from a dynasty built around familiar stars to a roster searching for its next defining identity.