Apparently, Travis Kelce is willing to leave the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
Kelce, 36, just wrapped up his 13th season in the NFL. The 11-time Pro Bowl tight end hauled in 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns. Although he hasn't announced his plans for the 2026 season, there have been some rumblings about him potentially retiring. An official decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"Seeing my brother go through it and how the league works, the season restarts in April," Kelce said. "I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not or if they want me back. It's one of those things where I'd like to make that decision before they need to make draft picks and free agency opens. All that will be at the end of the season. I won't be thinking about it until then."
Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) heads to the field against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
According to longtime radio host Craig Carton, there's a chance Kelce will finish his NFL career elsewhere. He claims the future Hall of Famer has interest in the New York Giants.
"The rumor is that Travis Kelce is not going to retire. He wants to come back for another year, but he does not want to go back to Kansas City," Carton said. "I saw a story today that Travis Kelce wants to play for the New York Giants! That way he and his wife can live in New York City, she can go to every game, and Travis Kelce can be in the biggest media market in America. I know it's just a rumor, but do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce this offseason."
Carton seems pretty confident about this scoop despite the fact that not a single NFL insider has reported similar information about Kelce and the Giants.
Would Kelce actually leave the Chiefs?
Technically speaking, Kelce could definitely leave the Chiefs for another NFL team in free agency. Will he though? We doubt it.
For starters, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt has already said he wants Kelce back for the 2026 season. It's also worth noting that Kelce has had discussions with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
"I've had a small minimal conversation with both and they all have been great, but more than anything, it's just the excitement of reuniting," Bieniemy said. "It feels good just to sit down and have conversations with guys. To be honest, I haven't talked any football or anything, it's just the excitement of seeing each other."
Why would Kelce talk shop with Kansas City's coaching staff if he's interested in jointing the Giants? That doesn't make any sense to us.
We'll just have to wait for an official announcement from Kelce.
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