Chiefs' Travis Kelce Returning for 14th NFL Season

Fantasy Football impact, 2026 outlook, and where to draft the future Hall of Famer

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Veteran tight end Travis Kelce plans to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season, his 14th in the league. Despite a decline in production over the past two seasons, the 36-year-old Kelce is still expected to be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy tight end option, especially with the anticipated return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes from injury. However, the status of the Chiefs' receiving corps remains uncertain with several key free agents.

Why it matters

Kelce's return is a significant development for the Chiefs' offense and Fantasy Football managers. As a perennial top tight end, Kelce's production and availability will have a major impact on Kansas City's passing attack and the Fantasy landscape at the position.

The details

Kelce saw his numbers dip in 2024 and 2025, averaging 12.2 and 11.4 PPR points per game, respectively. However, he still finished 2025 as the No. 9 tight end on a per-game basis and No. 3 in total points, catching 76 passes for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. The status of the Chiefs' receiving corps, including the futures of Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton, could impact Kelce's target share. Additionally, the league's investigation into allegations of domestic abuse against receiver Rashee Rice may affect the team's depth chart.

  • Kelce plans to return for the 2026 NFL season.
  • Mahomes is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign after suffering a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 of the 2025 season.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end and future Hall of Famer who has spent his entire 14-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' starting quarterback who is expected to return from a torn ACL and LCL in time for the 2026 season.

Rashee Rice

A Chiefs wide receiver who is currently under investigation by the NFL for alleged domestic abuse incidents between 2023 and 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Even at 36, he still offers plenty of value as a low-end starter, and he should be drafted with a mid- to late-round pick in all leagues. This could be his last season in the NFL, but Kelce still has the chance to finish as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in 2026.”

— Jamey Eisenberg, Fantasy Football Analyst (CBSSports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the Rashee Rice case is expected to make a decision on his status for the 2026 season in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Travis Kelce's return to the Chiefs provides stability and upside for Fantasy managers, but the team's receiving corps and Mahomes' health will be crucial factors in determining Kelce's ultimate value in 2026.