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Travis Kelce will reportedly return to the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal, ending the uncertainty surrounding his playing future for at least one more season.
Kelce’s deal is for $12 million, which can escalate to $15 million, ESPN reported Monday as free agency opened up around the league. The agreement cannot be made official until Wednesday.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after picking up a first down in the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
There was plenty of speculation surrounding what Kelce could do entering free agency. At least one report suggested his representatives could receive offers from other teams and possibly end his Chiefs chapter and play for another team. But when free agency began, it was made clear that Kelce would choose loyalty over money.
“It’s been a rollercoaster for Travis Kelce. He’s only played for the Kansas City Chiefs. I think a lot of people had no doubt that Travis Kelce was just going to go back to the Kansas City Chiefs, sign whatever deal was available and move on,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Monday. “He was expected to get significant, significant interest. Probably a deal that would have put him at the top of the tight end market. Based on the way he played last year, a Pro Bowler almost playing at the top of his game would make sense.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) greets fans after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
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“That’s not really what Travis Kelce is about. It really isn’t. He’s going to turn down more money to stay in Kansas City, to be loyal, to be with Patrick Mahomes and to continue to have another shot at the Super Bowl. This is something the Chiefs were adamant about doing. They wanted this to happen. It was really just a question of, wouldn’t he be likely to stay with Travis if it was expected? Kansas City.”
Kelce is considered to be one of the best tight ends of all time.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2025. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
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The 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has 1,080 catches for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns. He helped the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles in his time and hopes to push for one more before his career ends.
