Leading up to the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX, questions were raised about a potential Travis Kelce retirement. The future Hall of Famer ultimately made it clear his career would continue in 2025. 
As of June, Kelce had not committed to suiting up beyond the current season. The pending free agent’s future is still not certain on that front, but he has offered an update on his situation. Kelce’s latest comments indicate he will have a decision in place before the start of the 2026 league year.
“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not — or whether they want me back or not,” the 36-year-old said (via ESPN’s Nate Taylor). “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately.”
Kelce specified he will not arrive at a commitment one way or another until this coming offseason. The three-time Super Bowl champion will not play for a team other than Kansas City, but the Chiefs will need to decide on a new financial commitment in the near future. Kelce agreed to a two-year, $34.25MM pact in 2024; that deal places him near the top of the financial pecking order at the tight end spot.
A pay cut would come as a surprise if the four-time All-Pro does wind up playing next year. On the other hand, Kansas City could benefit from another one-year Kelce accord. A 2010s All-Decade Team member, he saw a major downturn in production last season before experiencing a notable turnaround in 2025. Kelce has posted 631 yards and four touchdowns on 50 catches so far this year.
It remains to be seen if Kelce’s resurgence will be enough for the Chiefs to reach the playoffs, and the team faces a number of questions heading into the offseason either way. One of the main talking points surrounding Kansas City will of course surround Kelce and his desire to continue playing. This will no doubt remain a storyline until further clarity emerges.
The 2026 league year will begin on March 11 with free agency officially opening. By that point, based on today’s comments, Kelce and the Chiefs will know where they stand with respect to retirement.
Cya! Has been holding team back for several years.
Are you kidding? Yes, he layed down in the SB like the rest of the team but slower or not, he still gets away with picks and runs better routes than most receivers. I still never understand why defenders dont hit him more coming off the line, but he still is the focal point for Mahomes. If Gray wants his job, he needs to take advantage of his opportunities more or the Red Walrus will keep Kelce in the line-up.
I will agree that if the Colts can beat them and they somehow miss the playoffs, Kelce will retire and focus on his wedding to the billionaire.
I think Kelce is so effective because he DOESN’T run routes (that looks more aggressive than I meant, but I can’t italicize here). He just kind of does what he wants on nearly every play, based on what he sees defensively, and Mahomes sees the same thing or at least knows where he’s going to be. It’s less complicated than running good routes, but harder to do because the real reason that it works is because it relies on the quarterback and receiver to both be on the exact same page.
Judging by how often he’s off the field, and how many drops that he’s had the last two or three years versus before, and the increased presence of Gray, I’d expect retirement soon. But the connection with Mahomes and adjusting his “routes” are how he gets open so much. Defenses are sticking to assignments in zone, usually, annd man can be schemed out with route combinations or picked off. Kelce improvising is unpredictable, and is tougher to beat without the right personnel. Every great receiver does this to an extent, but Kelce sometimes is just running around at will out there.
It’s like he hits the offensive coordinator (Reid) with Barbossa’s quote from Pirates of the Caribbean when a route is called.
“They’re more like…guidelines…than actual rules.”
I think my favorite quote occurred on the Broncos sideline at 4:08 of this classic NFL video link to youtube.com
Thats true, but he also does enough faking and jukes during his improvisations that like you said, he and Mahomes have instant recognition.
If defenders would just hit him and hold him up more–the notorious 13 second Buffalo playoff game comes to mind–Kelce wouldnt have so many first down catches and the pass rush might get there …
Can’t disagree. Kelce’s a great player all time, but as far as TEs go, I wouldn’t call him very physical.
wonder if mahomes could help salvage kyle pitts career if kelce retires
Or perhaps he could complete 2 passes to Marcedes Lewis and turn him into a deadly offensive weapon 🙂
We will see if his boss lets him, I guess she could use another assistant on tours if he is allowed to retire.
That decision may be out of his hands. Father Time isn’t a consultant and doesn’t take requests
But for Brady he might slip in a conflict of interest or two…
Retire please. And take the pop singer with you.