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The hourglass has turned and the NFL world is waiting to see what Travis Kelce will decide when it comes to his playing future.
Kelce entered the 2025 season with one year remaining on his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed a two-year extension with the team before the start of the 2024 season in what some believed could be the final two years of his legendary career.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
NFL teams and players can agree on deals beginning Monday at 12:00 PM ET, while contracts cannot officially be signed on Wednesday. Reports emerged Sunday about what the star tight end could do as the frigid, cold winter begins to thaw and the offseason really heats up.
Kelce is expected to return for his 14th NFL season, turning 37 in the middle, The Athletic reported. However, there’s reportedly no guarantee he’ll return to the Chiefs, and his reps are expected to talk to multiple teams before making a decision.
The new report surfaced weeks after The Associated Press reported that Kelce will only play for the Chiefs — if he plays at all.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after a catch and run against the Chicago Bears in the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 22, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
“I think we’ve taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for both scenarios,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine. “Coach (Andy Reid) had mentioned on Friday (that) he’s had a good dialogue with Travis. On our end, me (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ staff, we’ve had a good dialogue there.
“I’m sure we’ll see him here, as we will all the other players’ agents, and we’ll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best, he’s an icon, and hopefully he’ll come back, and we’ll just let that process play out.”
Kelce is a three-time Super Bowl champion, 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. His numbers were only slightly better than 2024.
He had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs finished an uncharacteristic 6-11.
“It’s not your typical — hello, 27-year-old first time in free agency,” Veach added. “Travis has done everything, he’s accomplished everything — he’s getting married, he’s got a lot going on. So I don’t think there’s an element of us not trying to — you need some kind of deadline (or) timeline, but at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce, so we’re just going to continue to have a positive dialogue like that and see where we need to have a positive dialogue like that and see where we need to have this attitude. a plan going forward.”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (right) autographs a book for Edenne Flinn (left) after being hit by Kelce’s golf ball on the 18th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Feb. 13, 2026. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
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Kelce’s decision will send shock waves through the NFL both ways.
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