Reporter pours cold water on stunning Chiefs, Travis Kelce update

Dianna Russini and Jesse Newell of The Athletic revealed some stunning news on Sunday when they reported that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce "is expected to return to play for a 14th season this year" but may feature for a team other than the Chiefs for the first time in his pro career. 

On Sunday night, NFL reporter Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press offered a noteworthy update regarding the situation. 

Is Travis Kelce seriously thinking about playing for a team other than the Chiefs?

"Reported this at the combine," Maaddi shared via X (formerly known as Twitter). "...A person with knowledge of Kelce’s thinking told The Associated Press the four-time All-Pro tight end will not test the market. If the 36-year-old Kelce returns for a 14th season, it’ll be in Kansas City with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes."

In January, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt confirmed that he wanted Kelce to return and spend another season with the club. Later in the winter, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach insisted that the two parties were "going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends."

That said, Kelce is on track to be able to speak with other teams at the start of the "legal tampering" portion of free agency at noon ET on Monday. For what it's worth, he has not publicly guaranteed this offseason that he will only ever play for the Chiefs before he rides off into the sunset of retirement. 

Why Chiefs, Travis Kelce may not have come to terms on a deal

"The truth could be as simple as this — the Chiefs’ current offer falls below Kelce’s expectations," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio wrote for a piece published Sunday night. "If it doesn’t improve, Kelce could (in theory) see what else is out there. For now, the notion that his agents will listen to other teams could be nothing more than an effort to shake more cash from the Kansas City tree."

In a different article, Florio mentioned that "there has been no indication that another team plans to aggressively pursue [Kelce] once the negotiating window opens at noon ET on March 9." However, that could change if it becomes known that Kelce is at least willing to speak with other clubs. 

ESPN stats show that Kelce led the 2025 Chiefs with 76 receptions, 108 targets and 851 receiving yards. Over 17 games, he recorded five receiving touchdowns. Presumably, an contender in need of help for its passing attack would happily acquire a player capable of such production who has a Hall of Fame resume.

Whether or not Kelce will chat with such contenders this week shall be seen.