As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a pivotal 2026 offseason, one of the biggest questions hanging over the franchise isn’t about free agency or the draft-it’s about the future of one of their all-time greats: Travis Kelce. The veteran tight end, a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offensive dynasty, hasn’t made a final call on whether he’ll return for a 14th NFL season. But if the latest signs are any indication, retirement might not be happening just yet.
Kelce has been making the rounds in San Francisco ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, and by all accounts, he’s been in high spirits-attending events, showing that familiar energy, and not exactly looking like a guy ready to walk away from the game. According to recent reporting, there’s growing belief among those close to him that he’s seriously leaning toward coming back for at least one more run. While nothing’s official, the sense is that a return is “looking more real than ever.”
And there’s another development that could be nudging Kelce toward another season: the return of Eric Bieniemy to Kansas City as offensive coordinator. Kelce didn’t hide his excitement when reacting to the news on the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce. His words were telling-not just about his relationship with Bieniemy, but about how much he still feels connected to the Chiefs’ locker room.
“I can't wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He's one of my favorite coaches of all time; one of my favorite people of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.”
That kind of enthusiasm doesn’t sound like a player ready to fade into retirement. It sounds like someone who still feels the fire, still wants to be part of the grind, and still cherishes the relationships that have helped define his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Kelce’s impact on the Chiefs goes far beyond the stat sheet. He’s been a safety valve for Patrick Mahomes, a tone-setter in the locker room, and a matchup nightmare for defenses year after year.
Even as he gets deeper into his 30s, his production and presence remain elite. And if Bieniemy’s return is reigniting that competitive spark, Chiefs fans have every reason to believe No. 87 might not be done just yet.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building he’s one of my favorite coaches of all time”
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 21, 2026
Travis shared his thoughts on (a possibly shirtless) Eric Bieniemy returning to the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/MRmdNAcIar
So while we wait for an official word, the tea leaves are starting to align. Kelce’s body language, his words, and the return of a trusted coach all point toward one more ride. And if that’s the case, the Chiefs’ championship window stays wide open-with one of their most trusted weapons still in the mix.