The Kansas City Chiefs did not have a good 2025 campaign and both Travis Kelce and Andy Reid were disappointed with that. They finished with a disappointing 6-11 record in the regular season and missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.
After such a bad season, many thought that Kelce might finally retire as he is now 36-years-old. However, head coach Reid has shared a positive update on that.
Andy Reid shares positive update on Travis Kelce
Kelce finished out his contract with the Chiefs in 2025, and is currently in free agency. With his advanced age and declining performance, many believed he will retire with many fans still optimistic for his return.
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Reid recently talked about Kelce’s future and signaled a strong possibility for the veteran to return in Chiefs colors for the 2026 NFL season. In a video, the coach admitted there were talks ongoing between the two parties, “I think that’s where Travis is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here.”
HC Andy Reid says he doesn’t want to put words into Travis Kelce’s mouth… but there’s a lot of positive communication happening. Sounds to me like there’s a great chance he’ll be back for the 2026 season! pic.twitter.com/3aMMpoadUw
— Lexi (@lexiosborne) February 20, 2026
He added, “He’s been doing this a long time. He can sort all of that out as he goes forward, but we’re proceeding with that, and there is communication.” This means that while nothing is confirmed, talks are ongoing between the two parties. Rumors suggest he will stay for one more season.
The tight end had 76 receptions for 851 yards and scored five touchdowns last season. With three Super Bowl titles and having played at the Chiefs for his whole career since 2013, it makes sense to continue with Kelce for another season as he has vast experience and is still performing well enough. And it is not just Reid who wants Kelce back.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt wants Travis Kelce to return
Alongside coach Reid, franchise owner Clark Hunt also wants his veteran tight end to return for one more season. Back in January he said, “As an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back. He had another great year.”
He added, “Maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play.” No information about a contract deal has yet been revealed, but Kelce may have to take a huge pay cut owing to his age and decline in performance.
Travis Kelce will now focus on the next season, if he decides to return at all to the NFL and the Chiefs.