Travis Kelce is reportedly leaning one way toward Chiefs, NFL future

The Kansas City Chiefs are trying to make one final run at another Super Bowl with their core.

They brought back offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and could re-sign Tyreek Hill. Moreover, those moves could also push Travis Kelce toward returning for an additional season. Kelce, who's mulled retirement since last season, has yet to decide his future.

However, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that the future Hall of Famer is inching closer to playing for at least another year.

Travis Kelce is likely to return to Chiefs

"They have already been in contract talks," Pelissero said on "The Rich Eisen Show." "It seems like this is trending toward Travis coming back and playing for Kansas City, but nothing is done until it’s done. Obviously, Travis has a lot going on in his life outside of football and decisions to make."

The renowned insider opened up on the Chiefs' complicated offseason, especially if Patrick Mahomes is unable to suit up for training camp as he continues his rehab from a season-ending knee injury. That's another significant reason why Kelce's return might be a difference-maker for Andy Reid's team.

"If you also don’t have Travis Kelce back — from a leadership perspective, from an offense functioning perspective — it’s going to create some challenges," Pelissero continued.

Kelce is clearly not the superstar he was in his prime, but even his down years would be career years for most tight ends. He finished the season with 76 receptions on 108 targets for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

He had seven drops and was on the wrong end of some unfortunate plays and turnovers, but there's no arguing that the Chiefs are a much better team when he's on the field, and there aren't any suitable replacements the Chiefs could realistically target in free agency to replace him.