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Once again, Travis Kelce has a big off-season 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 scheduled to play Sunday in Santa Clara, California, Kelce has been on the outside looking in, enjoying the Super Bowl festivities in San Francisco.
But he has reportedly been in contact with the Chiefs and the team wants him back for 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 December 25, 2025. (Denny Medley/Image 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 remains to be seen, but the decision could come sooner rather than later.
Kelce has indicated in the past that he would inform the Chiefs of his decision before the new league year, which is scheduled for March 12. He just finished the second year of his two-year, $34.25 million extension, so a new deal would have to be reached.
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As for finances, it will be interesting to see what the Chiefs do, considering they will be over the projected salary cap by more than $50 million, according to the report. Of course, teams get creative and general manager Brett Veach has been one of the best, keeping star talent under wraps to make sure the books align.
But the decision ultimately ends 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 returns 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 Nov. 23, 2025. (Denny Medley/Image 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 amazing moments with him as a player, as a person, and I just love him.”
Did Kelce mean he couldn’t wait to see Bieniemy inside the building working together, or outside looking in?
It’s pure speculation for those wondering what Kelce is up to, but there will be some clarity soon.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during the national anthem before the game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
However, it should come as no surprise that the Chiefs want their star tight end back in the building for one more trip, 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.
