One of the biggest questions surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason is whether Travis Kelce will return for what would be his 14th season with the franchise.
Kelce is officially a free agent after his two-year, $34.25 million contract expired at the conclusion of the season. At age 36, with a Hall of Fame career already under his belt, retirement will weigh heavily on his mind this offseason.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, January 5, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed Kelce’s future. “I know everybody wants an answer right this minute,” Reid said.
GettyChiefs head coach Andy Reid and Travis Kelce at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023.
“Right now, knowing where we finished in the season, you’ve got a little bit of time before all that stuff needs to take place… There are a lot of variables there.
“We all love Trav, we know that. Trav can still play. I’m not questioning that part or any of it… It’s a little bit of the same way we looked at it last year. You’ve got a little bit of time to figure everything out. So does Trav.”
It genuinely seems Reid doesn’t yet know if Kelce will return or not. As for Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, his comments left the door open for the 11-time Pro Bowler’s return.
Clark Hunt Shared a Message to Travis Kelce After Chiefs’ Loss to the Raiders
GettyChiefs owner Clark Hunt at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Chiefs owner and CEO Clark Hunt traveled to Las Vegas for the Chiefs’ Week 18 matchup against the Raiders. He watched as the Chiefs lost 14-21, marking their sixth straight loss to close out the season. After the game, he made his way into the visitors’ locker room at Allegiant Stadium, per The Athletic.
“Congrats on 13 years,” Hunt told Kelce, before later adding, “Good stuff.”
Hunt’s comment didn’t insinuate that this was a goodbye. Based on Kelce’s performance this past season, there’s no question that he’s still got more left in the tank.
While the season was disappointing, Kelce played extremely well. The four-time First Team All-Pro led the team in both receptions (76) and receiving yards (851), and tied for most touchdowns (5). Kelce made NFL history against the Raiders, becoming the fastest tight end to register 13,000 yards.
Travis Kelce Plans to Announce His Retirement Decision Before Free Agency Starts
GettyChiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026.
Out respect to the Chiefs organization, Kelce has pledged to make his retirement decision before free agency starts in March.
“Who knows? Who knows?” Kelce said on hanging up his cleats for good. “Either it hits me quick, or I gotta take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to give this one a shot. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
“I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock ‘n’ roll with the right intentions,” he added. “The ball just didn’t go our way in a lot of those games, unfortunately. If I do choose to come back, that’s something I’ve really got to focus on — making sure that I’m available and ready for those moments.
“I’ve got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here. I’ll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings and get close to the family and figure things out.”
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