Pros and cons of a Travis Kelce return to the Chiefs in 2026

Should he stay or should he go? That is the question that Travis Kelce must answer for himself in the upcoming weeks. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has nothing else to prove in his career and should make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. 

Retirement is seldom an easy decision, especially for a player who is still productive and is still among the best in the game at his position. It is a very personal decision, and, ultimately, he's the only one who can make it. 

Reasons why Travis Kelce could return for the Chiefs in 2026

No player, especially one who has enjoyed so much success in the NFL, wants to go out on a sour note. The Chiefs struggled throughout the 2025 season, finishing 6-11 and ending on a six-game losing streak. The chance to finish on a higher note could be appealing to someone as competitive as Kelce.

In 2025, Kelce was still productive, though not as much as he was in previous campaigns. He accumulated 76 catches (sixth among tight ends), 851 yards (fourth), and five touchdowns (13th; he didn't have any after Patrick Mahomes was injured). He also finished third among tight ends in yards after catch with 424.

Kelce could still play in 2025, but will he be able to match those numbers in 2026?

Reasons why Travis Kelce may retire this offseason

He's old. 2026 will be his age 37 season. That is not only old for tight ends, but it's old for football players, period. He does not look as quick or as fast as he once was, and these things won't improve by adding another year. 

While he was still productive, he also had some uncharacteristic mistakes this season. Twice, he dropped passes in the red zone that were intercepted, one for a touchdown. Both played a big part in a Chiefs' loss. He also had a handful of penalties that may have indicated a lack of focus. 

The Chiefs are going through a bit of a change as an organization. After seven straight AFC Championship games and five Super Bowl appearances in the last six seasons, it finally caught up with Kansas City. The Chiefs' amazing run came to an end, and there will be some retooling happening this offseason. There will most likely be a new offensive coordinator, and other coaches won't be returning. Kelce may decide that all of this change may not be worth it, with no guarantees that the team will be good in 2026. 

With his personality, Kelce is sure to have opportunities in broadcasting if he wants, either in the booth or in the studio. He might also pursue an acting career. He already appeared in the movie "Happy Gilmore 2." It wouldn't be surprising if he decides to expand his career away from the playing field. 

There is also his personal life. His relationship with superstar Taylor Swift is well-documented, and he may want to spend more time with her. Nobody could blame him for this course of action. 

Kelce could probably play one more year and still be relatively productive. No one knows how good he feels physically after 13 years in the NFL, but he's still better than most tight ends. 

He has plenty of career options if he does retire, and if he makes his decision, he can be at peace with it. He's been an all-time great regardless of whether he plays another year.