Travis Kelce isn't going to drag things out.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is reportedly ready to decide soon on his playing future, a decision to either return following an abysmal six-win campaign or end his career after 13 record-setting seasons. According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, Kelce and the Chiefs are planning a post-Super Bowl meeting to figure out a way forward for both sides.
Specfically, Rapoport's post on Sunday insists that Kelce has not made a final call just yet. However, the team would love to have him back for another year. The report says the meeting will "finalize a plan that works for both parties."
Gaining some clarity on the payroll and position early in the offseason is going to be very important for the Chiefs. Noah Gray's productivity dropped this season, and Jared Wiley is a complete unknown. Without Kelce, the Chiefs will have to go shopping while losing Patrick Mahomes' most trusted weapon. And of course, there are intangibles with Kelce's presence that impact much more than offensive effectiveness.
A looming post-Super Bowl meeting will determine whether Travis Kelce returns for a 14th season or his Chiefs career comes to a close.
That said, if he returns, Kelce will deservedly command one of the league's highest cap hits for a team already struggling to find breathing room, given that they have the league's worst cap position on paper heading into free agency. At present, the Chiefs rank dead last in the NFL in 2026 salary cap space, at $55 million over the limit ($15M more than the next-worst team, the Minnesota Vikings). The Chiefs will have a lot to figure out either way.
As for Kelce, he was just named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th consecutive season, after hauling in 76 catches for 851 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He eclipsed the 13,000-yard mark for his career this season, and became the only player in NFL history other than Jerry Rice to record 12 seasons of 800 yards or more. His bust for the Pro Football Hall of Fame has already been ordered.
Given his level of accomplishments and the difficult road ahead for the Chiefs to rebuild a roster that can contend for a Super Bowl, Kelce has every reason to doubt returning for another run in his late-thirties. However, he's remained outspoken regarding his love for the game and the Chiefs' organization and made it sound as if he's ready to come back with Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator.
If Kelce decides he's finished, he'll have no shortage of things to do with plenty of entertainment offers, charitable endeavors, and a stronger golf game than anyone realized. But the bread crumbs point to positive vibes about a return in 2026. And Chiefs Kingdom will know soon enough.