Travis Kelce Nearing Decision on NFL Future as Chiefs Face Offseason Crossroads
Travis Kelce isn’t one to let questions linger - and when it comes to his NFL future, it sounds like clarity is coming soon.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is reportedly planning to meet with the team after the Super Bowl to determine whether he’ll return for a 14th season or call it a career after 13 remarkable years. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Kelce hasn’t made a final decision yet, but both sides are expected to sit down and “finalize a plan that works for both parties.”
And make no mistake - the Chiefs would love to have him back.
Kelce remains the heartbeat of Kansas City’s offense, even as the team navigated a rocky six-win season. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is unmatched, and his presence on the field - and in the locker room - is about more than just production.
He’s a leader, a tone-setter, and a safety valve for the most important player on the roster. Without him, the Chiefs not only lose Mahomes’ most trusted target, they also enter an offseason with major question marks at tight end.
Noah Gray took a step back this year, and while Jared Wiley brings potential, he’s still an unknown commodity. If Kelce hangs up the cleats, Kansas City may have to look outside the building to fill one of the most critical roles in their offense - all while navigating a brutal salary cap situation.
And that’s where things get even more complicated.
If Kelce returns, he’s expected to carry one of the highest cap hits among tight ends - and the Chiefs are already in the league’s worst cap position heading into free agency. Right now, they’re $55 million over the projected 2026 salary cap, which puts them $15 million deeper in the red than the next closest team, the Minnesota Vikings. So, whether Kelce stays or goes, Kansas City has some serious financial gymnastics ahead.
Still, it’s hard to ignore just how much Kelce still brings to the table. He was named to his 11th straight Pro Bowl this season after putting up 76 catches, 851 yards, and 5 touchdowns - solid numbers by any standard, and especially impressive for a player in his mid-30s.
He also crossed the 13,000-yard mark for his career, joining Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history with 12 seasons of at least 800 receiving yards. That’s not just elite company - that’s Canton-level stuff.
His Hall of Fame résumé is already locked in.
So, where does that leave things?
Kelce has been open about his love for the game and his deep connection to the Chiefs organization. With Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator, there’s a sense that the band might be getting back together for one more run. Kelce’s body may be feeling the grind, but his heart still seems to be in it.
If he decides to walk away, he won’t be short on options. From entertainment to philanthropy to a golf swing that’s better than most expected, Kelce’s post-football life is already calling. But for now, all eyes are on that post-Super Bowl meeting - and the possibility that one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history isn’t quite done yet.
Chiefs Kingdom won’t have to wait long to find out.