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Once again, Travis Kelce has a big offseason decision to make — will he return for another NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs?
Last year, he was focused on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, hoping to add another ring to his Hall of Fame-worthy resume. But with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks set to play Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif., Kelce has been out checking in and enjoying the Super Bowl festivities in San Francisco.
But he has reportedly been in contact with the Chiefs, and the team wants him back in 2026, according to NFL.com.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
The plan for Kelce and the Chiefs is to “meet again after the Super Bowl to finalize a plan that works for both parties.” What exactly that means is yet to be seen, but a decision could come sooner rather than later.
Kelce previously noted that he would let the Chiefs know his decision before the new league year, which is set for March 12. He just completed the second year of his two-year, $34.25 million extension, so a new deal would have to be worked out.
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As for the finances, it will be interesting to see what the Chiefs do considering they will be over the projected salary cap by $50 million plus according to the report. Of course, teams get creative, and general manager Brett Veach has been one of the best at keeping star talent under wraps to make sure the books line up.
But the decision ultimately rests with Kelce, who may have hinted on his “New Heights” podcast that he would return for at least one more season after reuniting with Eric Bieniemy, who is returning to Kansas City as head coach Andy Reid’s offensive coordinator.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on November 23, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce told his older brother, Jason. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many incredible moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.”
Did Kelce mean he couldn’t wait to see Bieniemy actually work inside the building, or on the outside looking in?
It’s pure speculation for those wondering what Kelce is up to, but some clarity may come soon.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during the national anthem before the game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
However, it should come as no surprise that the Chiefs would have their star tight end back in the building for one more go, especially after a disappointing 2025 season in which Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the season.
The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after finishing 6-11.
