Are Chiefs giving Travis Kelce a deadline to make decision about playing in 2026?

A recent update indicated that tight end Travis Kelce was "trending toward" returning to the Kansas City Chiefs to play at least one more season. However, Kelce remains on track to reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 11, so one would think the Chiefs will want some clarity regarding his plans sooner rather than later. 

While speaking with reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said that he, head coach Andy Reid and others associated with the organization have "had some good dialogue there" as it pertains to Kelce's future. 

Veach also suggested he won't pressure Kelce to confirm anything about the future Hall of Famer's intentions. 

Chiefs have a plan "either way" regarding Travis Kelce

"You need some sort of deadline timeline, but at the same time, (it’s) Travis Kelce," Veach explained, per Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. "So we’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. I think we’re trying to position ourselves (so) that either way, we have a plan moving forward." 

In January, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt acknowledged that he wanted Kelce to return to the club after the 36-year-old led the team with 76 receptions, 108 targets and 851 receiving yards this past season. Additionally, Kelce shared the team lead of five touchdown catches with two others. 

"Travis has done everything, he’s accomplished everything," Veach added. "He’s about to get married. He’s got a lot going on." 

Specifically, Kelce and entertainment superstar Taylor Swift will reportedly exchange their vows this coming June. Theoretically, that could happen when Chiefs players are on their summer breaks and before Kelce is due to report for training camp. 

When do Chiefs hope to hear Travis Kelce news?

Sweeney mentioned that "Kelce is likely to alert the Chiefs of his decision before the legal free-agent tampering window opens on March 9." Kelce has played only for the Chiefs since they drafted him in 2013, and there's no reason to think his relationship with the club has deteriorated after Kansas City finished the 2025 season with a record of 6-11.