Travis Kelce Expected to Return for 14th NFL Season

The star tight end is leaning toward playing another season with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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According to a report from The Athletic, NFL veteran Travis Kelce is expected to return for a 14th season in the league. The 36-year-old tight end, who has played his entire 13-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, is set to become a free agent on March 11 when his current contract expires. While Kelce's representatives will reportedly talk to various teams, the report suggests he is leaning toward playing another season, potentially with the Chiefs.

Why it matters

Kelce's potential return is significant for the Chiefs, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade. As one of the team's veteran leaders and a three-time Super Bowl champion, Kelce's decision could have a major impact on the franchise's plans for the upcoming season.

The details

Kelce's current two-year, $34.25 million contract with the Chiefs is set to expire on March 11. While the team has expressed a desire to have him back, Kelce's representatives will reportedly meet with other teams as he weighs his options. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and head coach Andy Reid have both indicated they hope Kelce will return, with Reid saying there has been "communication" between the two sides as Kelce makes his decision.

  • Kelce's current contract with the Chiefs expires on March 11, 2026.
  • The report about Kelce's expected return was published on March 9, 2026.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who has played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning three Super Bowls with the team.

Clark Hunt

The owner and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back. He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there's no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We're trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.”

— Clark Hunt, Owner and CEO, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL Network)

“There is communication. That's the main thing. That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Trav is.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (Press Conference)

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue discussions with Kelce and his representatives as he makes a decision on his future in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Kelce's potential return would be a major boost for the Chiefs as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and contend for another Super Bowl championship. His leadership and on-field production have been crucial to the team's success over the past 13 years, and his decision will have significant implications for the franchise's plans heading into the 2026 season.