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Travis Kelce Reacts to Tough News Involving the Chiefs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 2:48 PM ET

The 2025 season was forgettable for the Kansas City Chiefs. After going 15-2 and reaching the Super Bowl the year before, the team collapsed to a 6-11 finish. The worst part? Franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15, which effectively ended their playoff hopes.

Travis Kelce also struggled. He finished with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, his second-lowest yardage since 2014. Afterwards, many expected him to retire, but he’s coming back for at least one more year.

And to make it happen, the Chiefs restructured Mahomes’ contract to clear cap space. Kelce then agreed to sign a one-year deal worth $12 million, which could reach $15 million with incentives. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the 36-year-old turned down bigger offers from other teams to stay in Kansas City.

In the process, he recently addressed the roster change on the “New Heights” podcast, acknowledging the bittersweet reality of losing three core defensive backs in free agency. Kelce said the departures of Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook were hard to sit with, noting that all three earned lifetime money and deserved it.

"There were a few guys who signed some big contracts," he said. "Trent McDuffie went to the Rams. My guy, Jaylen Watson, paper cups, went to the Rams...I'm happy both of those guys got paid...you hate to see him go because of how much you love playing with them and all the blood, sweat, and tears that you put into the offseason."

Travis Kelce spoke about some of the Chiefs' departures in free agency while also giving one of the team's young players a major vote of confidence for 2026.https://t.co/sriMbQYlil pic.twitter.com/z04QREqv3F
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) March 11, 2026

He added that Cook, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, was heading home, making the goodbye a little easier but not painless.

Later, he praised the front office, specifically GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, for their aggressive "retooling" strategy. The best part? The Chiefs have agreed to sign Kenneth Walker III to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million. It is an absolute snatch from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks' mouths.

Heading into 2026, the Chiefs are overhauling the roster to support Pat as he recovers from his injury. And entering his 14th season, Kelce is betting that this high-priced veteran talent and the emergence of young players like Williams will allow the team to reload and return to championship contention again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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