As the Kansas City Chiefs consider the remaking of a roster that failed to live up to expectations, one question looms larger than any other (by a considerable margin): Will Travis Kelce return for another year?
While Kelce has yet to make an official decision, Dianna Russini of The Athletic fanned the flames of positive momentum with the latest rumor round-up from Super Bowl week.
Specifically, Russini reported, as Kelce floated from one Super Bowl party to another, that there might be more in the tank than expected. "While retirement has been discussed, many close to him believe he could return for at least one more season. A final decision has yet to be made, but a 14th season is looking more real than ever," she writes.
Russini's report falls right in line with others who have believed the same thing. Chris Jones already said in his season-ending press conference that he thinks Kelce will be back. The tight end himself has spoken passionately about the sport in a way that made it sound like he wasn't ready to quit. A decision to play one more year wouldn't really surprise anyone in Chiefs Kingdom.
Dianna Russini's latest report fans the flames of a return but adds a wrinkle we're not so sure about.
That said, 12 months ago, Kelce was pondering this same question, which is what makes Russini's description of returning for "at least one more season" quite surprising. At this stage, it would make sense for Kelce to question whether or not he's got another season in him, as he's talked about in length in interviews, especially on his own podcast, New Heights. The idea of more than one season ahead of him at this point is a serious leap. Let's not forget that Russini was the one most responsible for the Matt Nagy as Tennessee Titans head coaching favorite rumors.
That's not to say that Kelce couldn't make it happen. He played the 2025 season in tremendous shape and came through with another Pro Bowl season with strong metrics and steady production for the Chiefs, to the tune of 76 catches for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. Given the lack of any impactful talent behind him on the depth chart, the Chiefs would certainly welcome him back with open arms for another year.
The future Hall of Famer has earned the right to call his own shots from here on out, which is why Kansas City is waiting to hear what he will do before constructing a fully informed approach on a roster overhaul in 2026. Tight end is a big part of the offensive picture for Patrick Mahomes, so if Kelce decides to call it a career, the Chiefs will undoubtedly make a serious move (or two) at the position to ensure production at the position.