The Kansas City Chiefs have secured the return of one of the franchise’s most consistent veterans while another longtime star continues to weigh his future with the team.
According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs have re-signed veteran long-snapper James Winchester to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. The deal keeps Winchester as the highest-paid long-snapper in the NFL and ensures the longtime special teams fixture will remain in Kansas City for at least one more season.
Winchester has been with the Chiefs since 2015 and remains one of the organization’s longest-tenured players. His return comes as tight end Travis Kelce continues considering whether he will play in the 2026 season.
Chiefs Re-Sign Longtime Veteran James Winchester
Winchester has quietly built one of the longest and most consistent careers in Kansas City during his time with the franchise. Since signing with the Chiefs in 2015, the Oklahoma product has appeared in 181 regular-season games and 25 playoff games.
Winchester has also played a role in the team’s championship success, winning three Super Bowls during his tenure with the organization. His reliability has helped anchor a special teams unit that includes kicker Harrison Butker, who is also the highest-paid player at his position.
While special teams players often receive less attention than offensive and defensive stars, their impact can prove crucial in close games.
Kansas City’s special teams unit has contributed to numerous wins during the team’s recent run of success.
Last offseason, Winchester reflected on the opportunity to remain with the Chiefs and the accomplishments he has experienced with the team.
“I would have called you crazy if you had said I would be going into Year 11, having had the opportunity to play in five Super Bowls and be a part of three championships,” Winchester said to Sports Illustrated. “That’s not including all the AFC West championships and [other] things that we’ve got to be a part of… it’s been a dream come true.”
Winchester also highlighted the stability within the organization, crediting the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
“The longer you play, you realize [that in] players, coaches [and] staff, there’s just a big turnover,” Winchester said. “I feel like in Kansas City, I’ve been fortunate to be with those guys from the top down. Our head coach hasn’t changed, and then you run through one of the best coordinators to ever do it in Dave Toub. Getting to play for that guy? It doesn’t get any better than that.”
He added that his priorities have shifted as his career progressed.
“I think early in your career, you’re more concerned with getting that big deal and signing for multiple years,” Winchester said. “But for me, I’m thrilled to just be back on the team one year at a time… There’s nowhere else that I would rather be. There’s so many who would love to play for an organization like Kansas City. So being able to do that for another year? It was a no-brainer.”
Travis Kelce Retirement Decision Still Pending
While the Chiefs have secured Winchester’s return, the future of Travis Kelce remains uncertain. Among players currently on the roster, only Kelce has been with the organization longer than Winchester.
Kelce has not yet announced whether he will return for another season or retire. The tight end has enjoyed a full offseason after Kansas City failed to make the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
As the start of a new league year approaches, a decision could arrive soon. Former NFL linebacker Will Compton recently shared his belief that Kelce will return.
“I bet Travis Kelce runs it back with the Chiefs for one more year,” Compton shared on X. “Everything waiting for him will still be there. He isn’t ending his career 6-11, 3rd in the division, the laughing stock of the NFL, and seeing the dynasty he helped build continue to burn. He can’t go out like that.”
Kansas City leadership has indicated it will allow Kelce time to determine his future. According to NFL Network, general manager Brett Veach wants the tight end to be completely certain before making a commitment.
“I think we have taken a different approach with Travis, we have prepared for either scenario”
Veach added
“Travis is the best, he’s an icon, hopefully he comes back” #ChiefsKingdom
“Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a tight end? The future of Travis Kelce is still very much up in the air,” Rapoport said.
“Obviously, there’s plenty of discussion. General manager Brett Veach talking to reporters saying they really wanted to allow Travis Kelce to go through his process to make absolutely sure he’s going to return for the 2026 season. As of right now, that has not been fully determined.”
The Chiefs have already made several roster adjustments this offseason.
The team restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract and traded defensive back Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.
If Kelce decides to retire, Kansas City could pursue a replacement through free agency or the draft. Potential free-agent targets include Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, both of whom are expected to command contracts exceeding $15 million annually.
Kelce has acknowledged the emotional side of eventually stepping away from football. During an episode of the “New Heights” podcast, he spoke about the moments he would miss most once his career ends.
“Man, I think it’s just those moments in the big games,” Kelce said. “The feeling of having to rise to the occasion, be there for, you know, 70,000, that is all counting on you out there, outside of just the guys that you go to war with, the guys go to battle with, man.”
“Those moments of rising to the occasion in the heat of the battle, you know, in the playoffs and all the big games out there, man, that’s a feeling that I know I’ll never get again. Those are the things that you cherish the most.”
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