Chiefs Coach Confirms Ongoing Talks with Kelce About 2026 Return

Travis Kelce's future with the Chiefs remains uncertain as the star tight end hits free agency.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:35pm

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that the team is in communication with veteran tight end Travis Kelce about a potential return for the 2026 season. Kelce, a beloved figure in Kansas City, is set to hit free agency next month after a "down year" in 2025 where he still managed 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Kelce's future with the Chiefs is a major storyline this offseason, as the 33-year-old future Hall of Famer weighs retirement or potentially playing one more season in Kansas City. The team's willingness to keep Kelce in the fold suggests they still see him as a valuable contributor, despite his age and slight dip in production last year.

The details

Kelce is currently out of contract and will become a free agent when the new league year begins next month. However, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed this week that there is "communication" between the team and Kelce about bringing him back for the 2026 season. Kelce, a 7-time Pro Bowler, is a beloved figure in Kansas City and has spent his entire 11-year career with the Chiefs so far.

  • Kelce will become a free agent when the new NFL league year begins next month (March 2026).
  • The 2025 season was one of the "worst years" of Kelce's career, though he still had 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 33-year-old tight end who has spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce is a 7-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, though he is coming off a "down year" in 2025.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who confirmed the team is in communication with Kelce about a potential return for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're proceeding with that, and there is communication.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs and Kelce will continue contract negotiations in the coming weeks as the new league year approaches. A decision on Kelce's future is expected before the start of free agency.

The takeaway

Kelce's potential return to the Chiefs for one more season would be a feel-good story for the franchise and its fans, as the star tight end looks to end his Hall of Fame career on a high note after a disappointing 2025 campaign. However, Kelce's future remains uncertain as he weighs retirement or potentially playing elsewhere in 2026.