Travis Kelce Weighs $15M Broadcasting Offer Against Chiefs Return

The veteran tight end must decide between continuing his NFL career or taking a lucrative TV job.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 4:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Travis Kelce, the veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is facing a major career decision as he weighs a potential $15 million annual broadcasting offer against returning to the NFL for the 2026 season. Kelce has yet to confirm his plans, but reports suggest he is leaning towards playing one more year with the Chiefs rather than transitioning to a high-profile TV analyst role.

Why it matters

Kelce's choice will have significant implications for both the Chiefs' roster plans and the future of NFL broadcasting. If he retires, the Chiefs will need to find a replacement at tight end, while Kelce's broadcasting skills could make him a top analyst for networks like Prime Video.

The details

Despite no longer being the top tight end, Kelce had a solid 2025 season with 76 catches, 851 yards, and 5 touchdowns. While rumors hinted at a possible team change, current information points to Kelce continuing with the Chiefs rather than signing elsewhere. However, the lucrative broadcasting offer of around $15 million per year remains a strong competing factor as Kelce is interested in calling games, potentially as a replacement for Kirk Herbstreit on Prime Video's Thursday Night Football coverage.

  • Kelce plans to finalize and announce his decision before the Chiefs' offseason activities accelerate in April.
  • The 2026 NFL season is set to begin in the fall.

The players

Travis Kelce

A veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is weighing a return to the NFL against a lucrative broadcasting offer.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team that Kelce has played for throughout his career and is hoping he will return for the 2026 season.

Andrew Marchand

A reporter for The Athletic who has reported on the broadcasting opportunity awaiting Kelce.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Travis Kelce appears as if he will try to play another season before potentially trying broadcasting, where he would like to call games, but probably could pick up at least $15 million per year as a studio presence.”

— Andrew Marchand, Reporter (The Athletic)

“Seeing my brother go through it and how the league works, the season restarts in April. I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not or if they want me back. It's one of those things where I'd like to make that decision before they need to make draft picks and free agency opens.”

— Travis Kelce (New Heights)

What’s next

Kelce has indicated he plans to finalize and announce his intentions well before the offseason activities accelerate in April, providing clarity to the Chiefs ahead of draft picks and free agency.

The takeaway

Kelce's decision will have significant implications for both the Chiefs' roster plans and the future of NFL broadcasting. If he chooses to retire, the Chiefs will need to find a replacement at tight end, while Kelce's broadcasting skills could make him a top analyst for networks like Prime Video.