Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Leaning Toward Returning for 2026 Season

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports Kelce is in contract talks with Kansas City and likely to play another year

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:26pm

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NFL insider Tom Pelissero revealed that Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is strongly leaning towards returning for the 2026 season. Pelissero noted that Kelce, 36, had a bounce-back year in 2025 after a down 2024 season, and his return would be crucial with quarterback Patrick Mahomes potentially missing time early in the season due to an ACL injury. Kelce has not made a final decision, but the signs point to him playing his 14th NFL season in Kansas City.

Why it matters

Kelce's return would provide stability and leadership for the Chiefs' offense, especially with Mahomes' injury status uncertain. As one of the NFL's top tight ends, Kelce's presence is vital for Kansas City's continued success and Super Bowl aspirations.

The details

Pelissero reported that the Chiefs and Kelce have already begun contract talks, indicating the two sides are working towards a new deal for the veteran tight end. Kelce, who is engaged to singer Taylor Swift, is coming off a season in which he led the Chiefs in receptions (76), receiving yards (851), and touchdowns (5), proving he still has plenty left in the tank. Head coach Andy Reid also expressed optimism about Kelce's future, saying "there is communication" and that Kelce is in a good place to make a decision.

  • In the 2024 season, Kelce had the worst statistical year of his career.
  • In the 2025 season, Kelce rebounded to lead the Chiefs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
  • Kelce is currently 36 years old and entering his 14th NFL season.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is strongly leaning towards returning for the 2026 NFL season after a bounce-back year in 2025.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback who is expected to miss a substantial chunk of the 2026 offseason and possibly into training camp due to an ACL injury.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs who expressed optimism about Kelce's future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“There is communication; that's the main thing. 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. He's been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. We're proceeding with that, and there is communication.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs (Newsweek)

“They have already been in contract talks. It seems like this is trending toward Travis coming back and playing for Kansas City, but nothing is done until it's done. Obviously, Travis has a lot going on in his life outside of football and decisions to make. He may not have the howitzer anymore in terms of the top end speed that he did back in the day, but he's still a functional NFL tight end.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Insider (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Chiefs and Kelce will continue contract negotiations, with the expectation that the veteran tight end will return for the 2026 season. Kelce's decision will have major implications for the team's offense, especially with Mahomes' recovery timeline.

The takeaway

Kelce's potential return is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Chiefs as they look to contend for another Super Bowl title in 2026. His leadership, production, and chemistry with Mahomes make him an irreplaceable part of Kansas City's offense, and his decision will be closely watched in the coming weeks.