Update emerges on Chiefs TE Travis Kelce's NFL future

Travis Kelce has yet to announce whether he will continue his playing career in 2026, but the latest update should give Kansas City Chiefs fans some reason to feel optimistic.

Kelce just finished his 13th NFL season and was named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th consecutive time. While he continued to produce at a high level, he is 36 and getting ready to marry billionaire music icon Taylor Swift. It would hardly be a shock if Kelce decided to retire, but a new report suggests he is leaning toward returning for another season.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Saturday that there are many people close to Kelce who believe the three-time Super Bowl champion "could return for at least one more season." While Kelce has not made a final decision, Russini says it is "looking more real than ever" that Kelce will keep playing.

Many questions surround the Chiefs

Kelce's uncertain future is just one of the major storylines surrounding the Chiefs heading into the 2026 season. The other obvious one is when Patrick Mahomes will be cleared.

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during Kansas City's Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He underwent surgery and is expected to need roughly nine months to recover. If that timeline were to prove accurate, Mahomes would be cleared just in time to play in Week 1 next season.

Kelce has openly spoken about wanting to end his career on a high note. He contemplated retirement after the 2024 season but said the Chiefs' 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX left him with the desire to pursue a fourth championship. He may be more motivated to play in 2026 because of how hard Mahomes is going to have to work to get back on the field.

Travis Kelce is still a major factor

Although his numbers have dipped a bit in recent years, Kelce was still a huge part of Andy Reid's offense this season. He finished the year with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. He also played in all 17 games and proved that he is still one of the most durable players in the NFL at his position.

Kelce is also an unrestricted free agent, so he would be able to sign with a team other than the Chiefs if he chose to go that route. It is extremely unlikely that he will do so, however. He has given no indication that he wants to play for a team other than Kansas City if he does decide to return for a 14th NFL season.