
Travis Kelce's future with the Kansas City Chiefs became the center of attention Sunday after reports surfaced concerning the star tight end ahead of a possible 14th season.
The Athletic's report indicated Kelce is expected to play another year in the NFL, but a return to Kansas City wasn't presented as a certainty. The piece also mentioned that Kelce's representatives could explore conversations with other teams once the negotiating window officially opens.
That speculation didn't last long, though. A different angle emerged when the Associated Press' Rob Maaddi reported that if Kelce continues playing, it would be only with the Chiefs. According to Maaddi, the tight end has no intention of testing free agency.
By Monday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport cleared up any lingering confusion. Rapoport indicated that teams across the league had already been informed of Kelce's plans to return to Kansas City for another season.
At 36 years old, Kelce still put together a strong enough campaign to earn another Pro Bowl selection. While he could likely command premium money on the open market, the future Hall of Famer appears committed to staying alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and chasing another Super Bowl ring.
Back for more: #Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay. pic.twitter.com/3yiT63vvYp
He's spent his entire 13-year career in Kansas City, and heading into this offseason, most expected one of two outcomes: retirement or another contract with the team that selected him No. 63 overall back in 2013.
Kelce is not quite the same player he was during his prime years. He's lost a step in terms of burst and does not have the same fluidity in his routes. But his production remained steady in 2025, the final year of his current deal.
He finished fourth among NFL tight ends with 851 receiving yards and showed improved conditioning on tape compared to the previous season.
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