As the confetti settles from Super Bowl LX and the Kansas City Chiefs bask in the glow of a third title in four years, one of the biggest questions of their offseason remains unanswered: Is Travis Kelce coming back?
The Chiefs and their future Hall of Fame tight end were expected to meet following the Super Bowl to discuss what comes next. That meeting, according to reports, was meant to be a pivotal moment - a conversation that could shape the direction of Kansas City’s offseason.
But a week later, there’s been radio silence. No announcement.
No timeline. Just a quiet understanding that the decision is still in the works.
From the Chiefs' side, there’s no ambiguity. They want Kelce back.
Defensive anchor Chris Jones has already voiced his belief that Kelce will return. Owner Clark Hunt has made it clear he hopes to see No. 87 back in red and gold in 2026.
The organization is leaving the door wide open - and rightfully so - for Kelce to take all the time he needs. After all he’s done for the franchise, he’s earned that space.
But here’s the thing: while Kelce’s earned the right to reflect, the NFL calendar doesn’t wait for anyone.
The league’s franchise tag window opens this week, kicking off a domino effect of offseason activity. The NFL Combine is right around the corner, and that’s not just about watching 40-yard dashes - it’s a key networking event where teams and agents lay the groundwork for extensions and trades. And then comes free agency, where the Chiefs will need to know exactly what kind of roster they’re building.
Kelce’s decision is more than just a headline - it’s a roster-defining moment. If he returns, the Chiefs retain one of the most reliable, productive tight ends in the game - even at age 36.
He may not be posting career highs anymore, but he’s still a difference-maker. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is unmatched, and his presence on the field forces defenses to account for him on every snap.
Having Kelce back would mean continuity, leadership, and a proven weapon in crunch time.
But if he chooses to walk away? That creates a ripple effect across the depth chart and the salary cap.
Noah Gray, who was expected to step into a bigger role, saw his production dip last season. There’s even a chance the Chiefs move on from him this offseason to free up cap space - a decision that would only deepen the need at tight end.
Jared Wiley, entering his third year, has yet to carve out a meaningful role. That leaves Kansas City in a precarious spot at one of the most important positions in their offense.
And then there’s the financial angle. Kelce carried a cap hit just under $20 million last year.
Even if a new deal for 2026 comes in lower, it’s safe to assume he’d still be one of the team’s top earners. The Chiefs are willing to pay it - no question.
But that number factors into every other move they make this offseason, from re-signing key players to exploring free agency.
So yes, the decision is Kelce’s. And yes, the Chiefs are giving him all the time he needs. But the clock is ticking - not on his legacy, which is already secure, but on the team’s ability to plan for what’s next.
Whether he returns for one more run or decides to step away, Kelce’s call will shape the Chiefs' offseason strategy. And once that decision drops, Kansas City can get to work on what comes next - retooling a roster that, even after a championship, still has plenty of questions to answer.