Chiefs' Andy Reid Provides Update on Travis Kelce's Future

Reid says there is 'communication' between the team and its star tight end

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:18pm

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed that there is ongoing communication between the team and veteran tight end Travis Kelce regarding his potential return for the 2026 NFL season. Kelce, a 13-year veteran, is set to become a free agent this offseason, and Reid indicated that the two sides are working to determine if Kelce will continue his career with the Chiefs.

Why it matters

Kelce is one of the most dominant and accomplished tight ends in NFL history, and his potential departure would be a significant loss for the Chiefs' offense. His return would provide stability and continuity for the team as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2025 season.

The details

Reid stated that as long as there is 'communication' between the team and Kelce, he feels good about the situation. The head coach emphasized that he is not trying to 'put words in [Kelce's] mouth' and is giving the tight end space to sort out his future. However, Reid noted that the 'positive indicators' suggest Kelce wants to play next season.

  • The 2025 NFL season ended earlier than expected for the Chiefs.
  • The NFL Scouting Combine, which is the unofficial start of the offseason, begins on Monday.

The players

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Travis Kelce

The veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“No, there is communication, though. As long as there's communication, I'm good. That means people want to move forward, and I think that's where Trav is.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach

“I'm not trying to put words in his mouth at all. And I try to give him space here. He has been doing this a long time; he can sort all that out as he goes forward, but we're proceeding with that, and there is communication going on.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach

What’s next

The NFL Scouting Combine, which begins on Monday, will be an important event for the Chiefs and Kelce to potentially provide more clarity on the tight end's future with the team.

The takeaway

The ongoing communication between the Chiefs and Travis Kelce is a positive sign that the team is working to retain one of the best tight ends in NFL history. Kelce's potential return would be a major boost for the Chiefs as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2025 season.