Chiefs HC Andy Reid Says There's Been 'Communication' About Travis Kelce's Potential Return

Veteran tight end hasn't committed to playing in 2026 yet, but team remains in talks with him.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed that the team has been in communication with veteran tight end Travis Kelce about a potential return for the 2026 NFL season. Kelce, who will turn 37 during the upcoming season, has dealt with retirement rumors in recent years but has remained productive, earning his 11th straight Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Reid also said the team has not had any discussions yet about bringing back former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins.

Why it matters

Kelce's potential return is crucial for the Chiefs' offense, as he has been quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top target for years. His decision will impact the team's offseason plans and roster construction. The possibility of Hill rejoining the Chiefs also generates significant interest, as he was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning team before being traded to Miami.

The details

Kelce, who is not currently under contract for the 2026 season, has not made a firm commitment about his future. However, Reid said the team remains in communication with the veteran tight end about a potential return. Kelce's production has dipped somewhat in recent seasons, but he still had 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025. As for Tyreek Hill, Reid acknowledged the team has not had any discussions about bringing back the star wide receiver, who was released by the Dolphins this week as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and dislocated knee suffered last season.

  • Kelce will turn 37 years old in the middle of the 2026 NFL season.
  • Hill was released by the Miami Dolphins on Monday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Travis Kelce

A veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who has been to 11 consecutive Pro Bowls and is considering returning for the 2026 season.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has provided updates on the team's communication with Kelce about a potential return.

Patrick Mahomes

The starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has relied heavily on Kelce as a top target in the passing game.

Tyreek Hill

A star wide receiver who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs before being traded to the Miami Dolphins, from whom he was recently released.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who evaluates all potential roster moves for the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No, there is communication though. That's the main thing. I've said this before: As long as there's communication, I'm good. That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Trav is. I'm not trying to put words in his mouth at all and I try to give him some space here.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“Listen, we go through everything and everybody. That's how [general manager] Brett [Veach] does. I don't even know if Tyreek is healthy right now to do anything. So I'm sure he's working hard on that part of it and trying to get that part all straightened out. Listen, we talk about everything. There's nothing happening there, but we know that you know — that he's out there and cranking away, trying to get himself back to where he can play, period.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to monitor Kelce's situation and have ongoing discussions about a potential return for the 2026 season. The team has not made any decisions yet about potentially bringing back Tyreek Hill.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' future hinges heavily on the decisions of their veteran stars, with Kelce's return being crucial for their offense and the possibility of Hill rejoining the team generating significant interest. The team's communication with both players will be closely watched as they navigate the offseason.