As we enter the final week of February, the Kansas City Chiefs are still awaiting an answer from star tight end Travis Kelce on whether or not he wants to return for a 14th NFL season.
Kelce briefly pondered retirement last offseason, but decided to return after not quite playing up to his standards in 2024 and coming up short in the Super Bowl. He did put up better stats in 2025, but the Chiefs took a nosedive as a whole, posting a disappointing 6-11 record. With the start of free agency just over two weeks away, Kelce’s decision should be coming soon.
Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach has plans in place for whatever Travis Kelce chooses
While speaking to reporters at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, general manager Brett Veach had this to say about Kelce’s future with the team:
“We’ve taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario,” Veach said. “Coach (Andy Reid) mentioned on Friday he’s had great dialogue with Travis. We’ve had some good dialogue there. I’m sure we’re going to see him here, just like we will all the other player’s agents. Travis is the best. He’s an icon, and hopefully he comes back. We’ll just let that process play out.”
If Kelce does return, it stands to reason that it will be business as usual with him as the starter and Noah Gray as the No. 2, with young guys like Jared Wiley and Jake Briningstool competing for the No. 3 tight end position. However, if Kelce retires, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs look to replace him with a veteran free agent or a rookie in the draft.
Chiefs aren’t going to hurry Kelce on his decision
GettyKansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce
Veach was later asked if there’s any rush for Kelce to give his answer to the team. While he did acknowledge there must be a bit of a deadline, Veach also said that Kelce has earned the right to take his time and weigh his options.
“He’s not your typical 27-year-old, first time in free agency,” Veach said. “Travis has done everything, he’s accomplished everything. He’s about to get married. He’s got a lot going on. You need some sort of deadline or timeline. But at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce. We’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. But I think we’re trying to position ourselves that, either way, we have a plan moving forward.”
Kelce isn’t going to let this drag out for too long and put the Chiefs in a tough situation. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently reported that the two sides are actually working toward a deal, but nothing is set in stone yet. If they are able to agree to a new contract, it’s possible that it includes a second-year option in case Kelce wants still has the desire to keep playing beyond 2026. Kelce’s current contract will expire at the beginning of the new league year in March.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach Breaks Silence on Potential Travis Kelce Return