Chiefs Extend Veteran TE Travis Kelce for 14th NFL Season

The new one-year deal sets up Kelce for a potential retirement tour with the only team he's ever played for.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:05am

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The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed veteran tight end Travis Kelce to a one-year contract extension, keeping the 36-year-old in Kansas City for a 14th NFL season. The deal is structured to manage the salary cap and provide flexibility for both Kelce and the team as he potentially winds down his illustrious career.

Why it matters

Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense for over a decade, helping the team win a Super Bowl and make multiple playoff appearances. Retaining him for one more season allows the franchise and fans to potentially celebrate his career with a 'retirement tour' before he hangs up his cleats.

The details

Kelce's new one-year deal is worth $12 million fully guaranteed, including a $3 million base salary and $9 million in roster bonuses. The contract is structured to spread the cap hit over multiple years, with $3.5 million in dead money in 2027 and 2028. The deal also includes $3 million in incentives tied to the Chiefs' playoff performance and Kelce's playing time.

  • Kelce and the Chiefs reached the agreement just ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL league year.

The players

Travis Kelce

A 36-year-old tight end who has spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the team win a Super Bowl and make multiple playoff appearances.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL franchise that drafted Kelce in the third round in 2013 and has been his only professional team.

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What they’re saying

“Fourteen seasons is a remarkable achievement in the NFL, and we're thrilled to have Travis back for one more year. He's a true Chief and has been instrumental to our success over the past decade.”

— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager

What’s next

If Kelce decides to retire after the 2026 season, the Chiefs would likely release him after June 1 to spread out the dead cap hit over multiple years.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' creative contract structure for Kelce's one-year extension demonstrates their commitment to keeping a franchise icon in the fold for one more season, potentially allowing him to ride off into the sunset with the team that drafted him in 2013.