Travis Kelce’s future in Kansas City is suddenly a lot less certain-and not just because of what’s happening on the field.
The Chiefs’ star tight end has had a turbulent start to 2026. On the field, his contract officially expired at the end of the season, making the three-time Super Bowl champion an unrestricted free agent.
Off the field, he’s been navigating some unexpected headlines, including a social media storm linked to legal documents involving celebrities outside the football world. While the off-field noise is grabbing attention, the real question for Chiefs fans is whether Kelce will be back in red and gold next season-or if Kansas City is preparing to turn the page at tight end.
On his New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason, Kelce didn’t mince words about his current status. “I am officially jobless, Jason,” he said, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his next move. That comment, while lighthearted in tone, underlines the reality: for the first time in over a decade, Kelce’s future with the Chiefs is up in the air.
Enter Isaiah Likely.
The Baltimore Ravens tight end has found himself in the Chiefs’ orbit in recent days, and not for the usual reasons. Likely, who has shown flashes of high-end talent, has also had his share of viral moments-some of them less than flattering.
During the 2024 season, he was caught on camera exchanging words with a heckling Chiefs fan, shouting an expletive on his way to the visiting locker room. More recently, after a frustrating loss on Sunday Night Football, Likely was again seen venting on camera, saying, “We a-- as f---,” in reference to his team’s performance.
Now, Likely is making waves again-this time on social media. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted a cryptic Instagram story featuring just a clock emoji.
It didn’t take long for fans to notice that Likely had liked the post. That small gesture sparked speculation that the Ravens tight end might be eyeing a fresh start-and perhaps even a move to Kansas City.
To be clear, there’s no official word on any trade talks or roster moves involving Likely. But in today’s NFL, where social media breadcrumbs often lead to bigger storylines, fans are watching closely. The idea of Likely stepping into a major role in Kansas City-potentially as Kelce’s successor-has picked up traction.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are undergoing some changes of their own. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the team is looking to reset.
One major move: Eric Bieniemy is expected to return as offensive coordinator. That’s a reunion Kelce himself addressed on New Heights, saying he’s excited about Bieniemy’s return.
For some, that was a hopeful sign that Kelce might not be done just yet.
The question now becomes: is Kelce gearing up for one more run with Mahomes and the Chiefs, or is Kansas City preparing for a new chapter at tight end? With the offseason just getting started, there’s plenty still to unfold. But one thing’s for sure-this is a storyline that’s only gaining momentum.