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Travis Kelce Sends Clear Message After Chiefs' Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 5:27 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the middle of a critical free agency window that they are hoping will help them return to title contention after this year's 6-11 season. Although Patrick Mahomes' status for the start of next season is unclear due to a torn ACL and LCL, the team is making sure he has the right weapons around him when he does return.

One of the biggest moves that the team has made this offseason wasn't bringing in Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III or even veteran safety Alohi Gilman, it was being able to retain seven-time All-Pro tight end, Travis Kelce.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Kelce, 36, agreed to a one-year contract worth as much as $15 million, according to ESPN. Fresh off a season that saw him post 76 catches for 851 yards and five scores, questions regarding Kelce's future in the NFL were running rampant as a result of his looming wedding with pop-star Taylor Swift.

The Chiefs took to X on Wednesday to announce that Kelce was officially back, with the three-time Super Bowl champion tight end firing off a response of his own on Thursday.

"Let's get this thing rocking!! ️," said Kelce on Instagram.

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The post drew praise from some of the biggest names in sports, with WNBA star Caitlin Clark writing "I'm so hype" and Mahomes writing "LFGGGGGGG!!!!!"

Despite his age and clearly being closer to retirement than his prime, Kelce led or was tied for the lead in all major receiving categories for Kansas City this past season. If he can stay around that level and Mahomes is able to return in time, the Chiefs could very well be title contenders again next season.

Throughout the course of his 13 years with the Chiefs, Kelce has made over $111 million. It's unclear how much he has left in the tank, but evidently has at least one year left in him.

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

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