Chiefs Star Travis Kelce Mulls Leaving Kansas City

Veteran tight end may test free agency after 13 seasons with the Chiefs

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is reportedly considering leaving the team after 13 seasons. Kelce's representatives are prepared to talk to multiple teams about signing him, though the Chiefs are expected to try to re-sign the 36-year-old. The Chiefs' current salary cap situation may make it difficult to retain Kelce, who is set to become a free agent on March 11.

Why it matters

Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade, helping the team win a Super Bowl in 2023. His potential departure would be a major blow to the franchise and its fans, known as 'Chiefs Kingdom'. The team is already facing uncertainty at quarterback after Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

The details

According to reports, Kelce is 'expected' to return for another season, but 'it isn't a sure thing' that he will remain in Kansas City. The Chiefs have limited salary cap space this offseason after signing several players to long-term deals in recent years. Kelce's representatives are prepared to talk to 'multiple teams' about signing the veteran tight end, who is currently a free agent.

  • Kelce has played all 13 seasons of his NFL career in Kansas City.
  • Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL in December 2025.
  • NFL free agency officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who has spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the team win a Super Bowl in 2023.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' starting quarterback who suffered a season-ending torn ACL in December 2025.

Dianna Russini

An NFL reporter for The Athletic who co-reported on Kelce's potential free agency.

Jesse Newell

An NFL reporter for The Athletic who co-reported on Kelce's potential free agency.

Nate Taylor

An ESPN reporter who covers the Kansas City Chiefs and provided an optimistic update on Kelce's future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“He's coming back, guys. Every indication I've gotten is that Travis Kelce is looking forward to coming back. When we'll know that for sure, that's really his prerogative.”

— Nate Taylor, ESPN Chiefs writer (96.5 The Fan)

“I know some people are like, 'If he hasn't really signed before free agency starts, how does that affect free agency?' I'm like, 'Eh, it doesn't really affect free agency. They can allocate that money however they want.'”

— Nate Taylor, ESPN Chiefs writer (96.5 The Fan)

“They might give him — and I've said this before — maybe a two-year deal where you can spread some of that money out and give a pretty nice chunk of signing bonus to get that base salary to be manageable for 2026. If you gotta eat it in 2027 if [Kelce] retires, you go ahead and eat it. He's given you everything you could have asked for already.”

— Nate Taylor, ESPN Chiefs writer (96.5 The Fan)

What’s next

A decision about Kelce's future is expected soon, as the NFL free agency period opens on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential departure of Travis Kelce, a Chiefs legend, would be a major blow to the franchise and its fans. However, the team's current salary cap situation may make it difficult to retain the veteran tight end, forcing them to consider their options as they look to rebuild around a new quarterback after Patrick Mahomes' injury.