Travis Kelce to Return to Chiefs or Retire, Mike Evans' Future in Tampa Bay Uncertain

NFL superstars' futures were among the top topics at the NFL Scouting Combine

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is set to become a free agent next month, but a person with knowledge of his thinking told The Associated Press that Kelce will either return to the Chiefs or retire. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is planning to play a 13th season, but his future with the team is uncertain as he prepares to test free agency.

Why it matters

Kelce and Evans are two of the NFL's biggest stars, and their decisions will have major implications for their respective teams and the league as a whole. The Chiefs have been a dominant force in the AFC in recent years, reaching the Super Bowl five times in the past seven seasons, and Kelce has been a key part of that success. Evans, on the other hand, has been a consistent and productive receiver for the Buccaneers, but his future with the team is unclear.

The details

Kelce, a 36-year-old four-time All-Pro tight end, is scheduled to become a free agent next month. However, a person with knowledge of Kelce's thinking told The Associated Press that he will not test the market and will either return to the Chiefs or retire. The Chiefs, of course, want Kelce back, and GM Brett Veach said the team has had positive dialogue with Kelce and his representatives. As for Evans, the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver had his streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons end when he missed nine games due to injuries last season. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht said the team would love to have Evans back, but acknowledged that he has earned the right to test free agency.

  • Kelce is scheduled to become a free agent next month.
  • Evans missed nine games due to injuries last season.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old four-time All-Pro tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is scheduled to become a free agent next month.

Mike Evans

A six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is planning to play a 13th season but may not return to the team.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

“I think we've kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we've prepared for either scenario. Coach had mentioned on Friday (that) he's had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis' crew, we've had some good dialogue there. I'm sure we're going to see him here just like we will all the other players' agents and we'll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best, he's an icon and hopefully he comes back and we'll just let that process play out.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs (nhregister.com)

“I love Mike, and we'd love to have Mike back. And he's earned the right to (test free agency) with his resume. Mike, as a person, what he's meant to this entire community, the fan base, all of us, I could go on and on, which we have, he's earned that right. We'd love to have Mike back. We're just seeing how the process goes.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (nhregister.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs and Kelce's representatives will continue their dialogue to determine if he will return for the 2026 season or retire. The Buccaneers will also work to try to re-sign Evans, but he is expected to test free agency.

The takeaway

The futures of two of the NFL's biggest stars, Travis Kelce and Mike Evans, are uncertain as they approach free agency. Their decisions will have major implications for their respective teams and the league as a whole, as the Chiefs and Buccaneers look to maintain their status as contenders.