February 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce thanks the crowd during the 10th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Image Travis Kelce has decided to play his 14th NFL season in 2026 and has reportedly informed other potential suitors that he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to multiple reports, Kelce is not open to playing for another team, contrary to reports circulating on Sunday. NFL Network reports that Kelce is expected to transfer more money elsewhere to return to Kansas City on what will likely be a new one-year deal, per Sports Illustrated.
He was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro four times in Kansas City. The Chiefs drafted him in the third round in 2013.
Kelce was weighing whether to return next season after discussing retirement the past two offseasons. He is an unrestricted free agent but has no plans to leave Kansas City, according to reports.
“We’ve prepared to some degree for one of two scenarios,” Chiefs general manager Brett Beach said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 24. “We are committed to making that happen either way and we have a plan moving forward.”
Veach said he would meet with Kelce’s representatives after the union and that “there needs to be some sort of timeline and deadline,” but said talks with his camp have been “positive.”
Coach Andy Reid said he is in regular contact with Kelce, 36, who is having a relatively down year in his Hall of Fame career.
He had 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, but his 76 receptions are Kelce’s lowest total since he had 72 in 2015.
“Travis is the best. He’s an icon and I hope he comes back,” Veach said in a February interview. “We’ll let the process take its course. This isn’t your typical 27-year-old’s first free agency.
“Travis has done it all. He’s accomplished everything. He’s getting married soon, there’s a lot going on. We’ll continue to have positive conversations and see how this ends.”
Before the 2025 season, Kelce admitted he was considering retirement. He also said that his life has changed in some ways since he started dating the biggest pop star on the planet, Taylor Swift, to whom he is now engaged.
Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is the Chiefs’ all-time leader in receptions (1,080), receiving yards (13,002) and touchdown receptions (82).
–Field level media
