As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for another season, fans are buzzing about the latest update on Travis Kelce's future. Despite whispers of retirement, Kelce is planning to suit up for at least one more year with the Chiefs, even as he approaches a significant milestone in his personal life with an upcoming wedding to Taylor Swift this June.
At 36, Kelce is set to hit free agency on March 11. This has sparked debate about his future, especially following comments from former NFL GM and current ESPN analyst, Mike Tannenbaum.
On ESPN's "Get Up," Tannenbaum advised the Chiefs to consider moving on from Kelce, citing concerns about his slowing pace. "You want to pay a player for what they’re going to do, not what they’ve done," Tannenbaum remarked.
While it's true that Kelce may not be the explosive force he once was, his 2025 stats tell a different story. Leading the Chiefs with 76 receptions, 108 targets, and 851 receiving yards, Kelce proved he still has plenty to offer. Alongside wide receivers Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Rashee Rice, he shared the team lead with five touchdown catches.
Kelce might not be the go-to weapon for every quarterback, but his contributions are undeniable. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt expressed his desire for Kelce to remain with the team through at least the 2026 season, highlighting the tight end's continued value to the franchise.
Tannenbaum also pointed to the emergence of younger tight ends like Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and Sam LaPorta, suggesting the Chiefs might benefit from infusing some youth into their lineup. With promising prospects such as Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, and Michael Trigg available in the draft, Tannenbaum believes it's time for Kansas City to start thinking about the future while honoring Kelce's legacy.
Yet, there's no indication that Hunt or head coach Andy Reid are ready to part ways with Kelce. As the situation unfolds, fans eagerly await the official word on whether Kelce will continue to be a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense. Until then, the speculation continues, but one thing is clear: Travis Kelce's impact on the game and the team remains significant.