Travis Kelce isn’t ready to step away from the game just yet. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is expected to return for his 14th NFL season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Kelce will turn down potential offers from other teams in free agency to stay in Kansas City.
The decision comes after weeks of discussion between Kelce and the Chiefs. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed in February that the team had been in communication with the veteran, and Kelce took time to weigh retirement before ultimately deciding to return.
The 36-year-old is coming off a season with 76 receptions on 108 targets for 851 yards, his lowest totals in a decade, but still earned his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, in part due to a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that also ended quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ season with a torn ACL. Kelce hinted after that game that the final three games of 2025 could have been the end of his career, soaking in ovations from Chiefs fans in Weeks 17 and 18.
Kelce, a third-round pick in 2013, has never played for another NFL team. Once re-signed, he and Kansas City will prepare for a challenging 2026 season, with Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL likely extending into the regular season. Backup options such as Gardner Minshew or another quarterback could start while Mahomes rehabilitates, and Eric Bieniemy returns as offensive coordinator.
Despite potential hurdles, including a tough AFC West landscape featuring improved Denver, the Chargers, and a revamped Las Vegas squad, Kelce and the Chiefs are determined to continue their championship pursuit.
Off the field, Kelce’s offseason will be monumental. In addition to continuing his podcast New Heights with brother Jason Kelce, Travis is set to marry pop star Taylor Swift in June, according to media reports. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Kelce hopes his wedding band won’t be the only new ring he earns in the coming year.
