Travis Kelce Expected to Return for 14th NFL Season

Veteran tight end may leave Kansas City Chiefs after long tenure

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Veteran tight end Travis Kelce is expected to return for a 14th NFL season, but his future with the Kansas City Chiefs is uncertain. Kelce, who turns 37 in October, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after spending his entire 13-year career with the Chiefs. The team's general manager says they've had good dialogue with Kelce's representatives about his potential return, but the Chiefs have limited salary cap space this offseason.

Why it matters

Kelce is one of the most dominant tight ends of his era, making 11 Pro Bowls and setting numerous franchise and league records during his time in Kansas City. His potential departure would be a major loss for the Chiefs, who have built their offense around Kelce's elite receiving skills. However, the team's financial constraints may force them to let the veteran tight end test the free agent market.

The details

Kelce, who turns 37 in October, is coming off another productive season in 2025 where he finished fourth among NFL tight ends with 851 receiving yards. Despite his age, Kelce displayed renewed burst and physicality, forcing a career-high nine missed tackles. The Chiefs have had positive dialogue with Kelce's representatives about a potential return, but the team's limited salary cap space this offseason could make it difficult to re-sign the veteran.

  • Kelce will turn 37 years old in October 2026.
  • Kelce is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 after spending his entire 13-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who has spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce is an 11-time Pro Bowler and one of the most dominant tight ends of his era.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who says the team has had good dialogue with Kelce's representatives about his potential return for the 2026 season.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has had great dialogue with Kelce about the veteran tight end's future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“We've kind of prepared for either scenario (retire or come back). Coach (Andy Reid) mentioned on Friday he'd had great dialogue with Travis on our end. Myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea, Travis' crew, we've had some good dialogue there, and I'm sure we're going to see him here, along with all the other players' agents. And we'll continue that dialogue.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs (nytimes.com)

“Travis is the best. He's an icon. Hopefully, he comes back, and we'll just kind of let that process play out.”

— Brett Veach, General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue negotiations with Kelce's representatives to try and re-sign the veteran tight end for the 2026 season. If they are unable to reach an agreement, Kelce will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.

The takeaway

The potential departure of Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs would be a major loss for the franchise, as he has been one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL over the past decade. However, the team's limited salary cap space this offseason may force them to let the veteran test the free agent market, potentially ending his long tenure in Kansas City.