Chiefs Prepared for Possible Travis Kelce Retirement

Veteran tight end weighing decision on 14th NFL season

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are uncertain if veteran tight end Travis Kelce will return for the 2026 NFL season, as the 37-year-old has debated retirement for the past two offseasons. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said the team has "prepared for either scenario" and will continue having "positive dialogue" with Kelce's representatives to determine his future plans.

Why it matters

Kelce is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and has been a key part of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade. His potential retirement would be a significant loss for the team and would require them to find a replacement, either through the draft or free agency.

The details

Kelce is owed a $12.5 million roster bonus next month and has a cap number of almost $20 million. Last season, he had 851 yards and 5 touchdowns, but his 76 receptions were his lowest total since 2015. The Chiefs' No. 2 tight end, Noah Gray, is also an unrestricted free agent.

  • Kelce has debated retirement for the past two offseasons.
  • Kelce's $12.5 million roster bonus is due next month.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 37-year-old tight end who has played for the Kansas City Chiefs for the past 14 seasons and is considering retirement.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Noah Gray

The Chiefs' No. 2 tight end, who is also an unrestricted free agent.

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What they’re saying

“We've kind of prepared for either scenario. We're trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs (statenews.net)

“Travis is the best, he's an icon and hopefully he comes back. We'll just kind of let that process play out. It's not your typical 27-year-old first-time-in-free agency.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue their dialogue with Kelce's representatives to determine his plans for the 2026 season. If Kelce decides to retire, the team will need to find a replacement, either through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

The potential loss of Travis Kelce, one of the NFL's all-time great tight ends, would be a significant blow to the Chiefs' offense. However, the team appears prepared for either scenario and is committed to maintaining their competitive edge regardless of Kelce's decision.