Chiefs Uncertain About Paying Aging Kelce

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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is set to become a free agent next month, has not said whether he plans to play in 2026 or retire. The Chiefs want Kelce back, but with the team projected to be over $55 million over the salary cap, they may not be able to afford to pay the 37-year-old the $17 million per year he has been making.

Why it matters

Kelce has been a key part of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade, but his production declined in 2025. The team's salary cap challenges could force them to let the aging star walk in free agency, which would be a significant loss for the franchise.

The details

According to reports, the Chiefs and Kelce have been in touch, and the team wants the veteran tight end to remain in Kansas City. However, the Chiefs are projected to be over $55 million above the 2026 salary cap, making it difficult for them to offer Kelce a lucrative new contract. Kelce averaged a career-worst 50.1 receiving yards per game in 2025, raising questions about how much the team should invest in the 37-year-old.

• Kelce is set to become a free agent next month.
• The Chiefs are projected to be over $55 million above the 2026 salary cap.

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to make roster moves to get under the salary cap before the 2026 league year begins in March, which could impact their ability to re-sign Kelce.