Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Travis Kelce has not announced whether he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026, but a new rumor suggests another team could enter the picture. As Kelce weighs retirement or a 14th NFL season, speculation has surfaced linking him to the New York Giants.
Kelce, 36, is coming off a 6-11 season with Kansas City and has said he plans to make a decision by early 2026.
Giants Rumor Connects Travis Kelce to New York
The Craig Carton Show
SHOULD GIANTS GO AFTER TRAVIS KELCE IN FREE AGENCY?
“Rumor is that Travis Kelce wants to come back for another year… Kelce wants to play for the NY Giants! He and his wife can live in NYC! It’s just a rumor — do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce this offseason!” – Craig
The most recent speculation came from radio host Craig Carton on “The Craig Carton Show,” who suggested Kelce could be interested in joining the Giants.
“Rumor is that Travis Kelce wants to come back for another year… Kelce wants to play for the NY Giants! He and his wife can live in NYC! It’s just a rumor — do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce this offseason,” Carton said.
The timing of the rumor is notable. The Giants recently hired John Harbaugh as head coach and are entering a rebuild. The franchise has approximately $7 million in cap space and several roster needs to address this offseason.
Kelce ranks third all-time among tight ends in receiving yards with 13,002 and receptions with 1,080. He also ranks second among tight ends in Pro Football Reference’s Hall of Fame Monitor with a score of 140.62. Adding a player with that résumé would immediately elevate the Giants’ offense.
There has been no public confirmation from Kelce or the Giants regarding the speculation.
Chiefs Management Makes It Clear They Want Kelce Back
While the Giants rumor circulates, the Kansas City Chiefs have made clear they want Kelce back.
On January 27, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt addressed Kelce’s future on “Good Morning Football.”
“As an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said. “He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us.”
Hunt added, “There’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.”
Kelce finished the 2025 season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games. His catch total was his lowest since 2015.
The veteran tight end also recently expressed excitement about reuniting with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who returned to Kansas City after spending 2023 with the Washington Commanders.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building,” Kelce said on his podcast “New Heights.” “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all-time… It’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo.”
Kelce got engaged to Taylor Swift in 2025 and plans to marry in 2026. Chiefs ownership acknowledged he has a busy offseason ahead and said the organization will give him space to make his decision.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching in April, clarity on Kelce’s future would help both Kansas City and any potential suitors. For now, the Giants rumor remains unconfirmed.