Chiefs' Chris Jones Defends Travis Kelce Amid Retirement Debate

Jones claps back at analyst's call for Chiefs to move on from veteran tight end

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Chiefs and their fans are eagerly awaiting tight end Travis Kelce's announcement regarding his future in the NFL, as his contract expires this March. Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones recently entered the public conversation, responding sharply to a high-profile analysis that suggested the team should prepare to move on without Kelce. This underscores the tension and significance surrounding the impending retirement decision.

Why it matters

Kelce has been a key pillar of the Chiefs' recent dominance in the NFL, forming a close connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive lineman Chris Jones. His decision to retire or continue playing will significantly impact the team's roster strategy and offensive outlook moving forward.

The details

Analyst Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst, expressed a controversial viewpoint about Kelce's status, advising the Chiefs to part ways with the veteran tight end despite his strong 2025 performance. In response, Chris Jones took to social media to sharply rebuff Tannenbaum's comments, underscoring the close bond between Kelce, Mahomes, and the defensive lineman.

  • Kelce's contract with the Chiefs expires in March 2026.
  • Tannenbaum made his comments on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Travis Kelce

A veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is nearing the end of his NFL career.

Chris Jones

A defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs who is a close teammate and vocal supporter of Travis Kelce.

Mike Tannenbaum

A former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst who has advised the Chiefs to move on from Travis Kelce.

Patrick Mahomes

The quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has formed a close connection with Travis Kelce.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I would move on from Travis Kelce, and let me tell you why. When you're in the front office, you have to project what a player is going to do, not what what they've done. I've made that mistake countless times in my career. Travis Kelce is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but when you watch him and make an honest and sober evaluation of his 2025 performance, clearly his best days are behind him. We talked about their lack of explosive plays, if I was Kansas City, I would make the right, albeit difficult, decision to move on from Travis Kelce and try to get younger, faster, more explosive at the tight end position.”

— Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Shut up…..🤫”

— Chris Jones (Twitter)

What’s next

The Chiefs need to finalize Kelce's status ahead of the upcoming NFL free agency period, as his decision will significantly influence their roster strategy and moves in free agency and the draft.

The takeaway

The debate over Travis Kelce's future with the Chiefs highlights the delicate balance between honoring a legendary player's past accomplishments and making tough decisions for the team's long-term competitiveness. Chris Jones's passionate defense of his teammate underscores the close-knit culture in Kansas City, which will be crucial as the franchise navigates this pivotal moment.