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Chiefs Await Kelce's 2026 Season Call
25 Feb
Summary
- Kelce to decide his 2026 season status by the new league year.
- General Manager Veach is letting Kelce's decision process unfold.
- Chiefs missed playoffs first time since 2014 after a 6-11 season.
Travis Kelce's potential return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season remains a significant talking point as the new league year approaches. The star tight end is expected to inform the team of his decision by March 11, allowing the franchise to plan accordingly. General Manager Brett Veach expressed confidence in Kelce, stating, "Travis is the best. He's an icon... We'll just let that process play out."
Owner Clark Hunt echoed this sentiment, noting the team's respect for Kelce's personal schedule, including his engagement and upcoming marriage to Taylor Swift. Hunt added, "We certainly hope that he'll be back." Kelce's potential retirement has been a recurring conversation, though he has returned to play in previous seasons. His recent comments on the "New Heights" podcast about welcoming back offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have sparked further speculation about his intentions.
The Chiefs are particularly keen on Kelce's return following a challenging 2025 season. The team finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, exacerbated by Patrick Mahomes' late-season ACL tear. With the ninth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, Veach faces several offseason decisions beyond Kelce's status.
