Chiefs TE Travis Kelce confirms plans for 2026 season

After a report hinted that star tight end Travis Kelce could play for a team other than the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2026 season, it was learned on Monday that he and the Chiefs were finalizing a one-year deal worth up to $15M.

During a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Kelce revealed whether or not he is returning to the Chiefs for at least one more campaign. 

Travis Kelce ready to run it back with the Chiefs

"We're making another run at it," an excited Kelce told McAfee. 

Kelce also praised Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid for "making moves," such as agreeing to a deal to sign Seattle Seahawks running back and Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III.

Whispers about Kelce possibly retiring this offseason seemed to quiet down before the recent NFL scouting combine wrapped up. On Tuesday, he indicated he never came all that close to calling time on his career after the Chiefs finished the 2025 season with a record of 6-11. 

"It was pretty short and brief," Kelce said about his offseason deliberations. "The Chiefs knew where I was the entire time on it. You always need to take a step back. You always need to take a step back, breathe, let the emotions of the season settle down, and see where the body is and things like that. But I'm still in love with this game. I still love going to work, putting on the pads, grinding it out and just playing the game." 

Kelce also acknowledged he's hyped that he will once again be working with Eric Bieniemy, who returned to the Chiefs earlier this offseason to resume his role as their offensive coordinator.

Travis Kelce echoes teammate about Chiefs' offseason

Ahead of this past weekend, Chiefs guard Trey Smith insisted that he and his teammates have "just gotta be better" following a disappointing campaign for the club. On Tuesday, Kelce somewhat echoed Smith's message. 

"I need to get back into the gym and hunker down and get back to the craft," Kelce told McAfee, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "We’ve got to be even hungrier than we were before. . . . There’s a lot of dog mentality right now to get this thing fixed."

Kelce also suggested he and others in the Kansas City locker room know some members of the football community think the franchise's dynastic run is over. It appears such chatter will serve as motivation for Kelce as he prepares for what may become the final season of his Hall of Fame career.