Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that communication with tight end Travis Kelce during the NFL offseason could mean continuing his career for a 14th season in 2026
00:02 ET, 21 Feb 2026
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to the media
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hinted that contact with tight end Travis Kelce points to him playing in 2026(Image: YouTube (@KansasCityChiefs))
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid couldn't fully suppress his emotions and let out a grin before a smile when asked whether his offseason blueprint depends on Travis Kelce returning for a 14th NFL season.
Reid's answer showed the clearest sign yet that the Chiefs expect their star tight end back in 2026. Speaking ahead of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Reid discussed the ongoing belief that Kelce's NFL career was all but finished without a formal announcement after the 2025 season that resulted in a playoff miss.
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"There is communication," Reid said with a grin, per ESPN. “That's the main thing. I've said this before: As long as there's communication, I'm good. That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Travis is."
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Part of Reid's plans could include a reunion with speedster Tyreek Hill following the ex-Dolphins star's release.
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"I'm not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here," Reid added. "He's been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. But we're proceeding with that."
Those final five words were telling and implied that Kansas City will act as if Kelce's return is a given, despite his future status as a free agent for the first time in his career.
Kelce’s two-year contract with nearly $35 million will officially expire in March, just before offseason workout programs for teams with new head coaches.
Despite what was considered a down year in comparison to previous Kelce seasons, he still led the Chiefs in targets, receptions (76), receiving yards (851), and touchdowns (5) across 17 games in 2025.
Over 13 seasons, Kelce has compiled 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 receiving touchdowns, while averaging 1,151 yards and seven scores per 17 games.
Kelce himself has hinted at unfinished business on his "New Heights" podcast, after the team reported the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid coaches Travis Kelce against the Las Vegas Raiders
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Kelce could play a 14th year in Kansas City should they re-sign him to a new deal before the 2026 season(Image: Getty Images)
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"I can't wait to see him back in the building, man," Kelce said. "He's one of my favorite coaches of all time; one of my favorite people of all time.
"I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy, and it's gonna be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby."
Kelce’s final game of the 2025 regular season came against the Las Vegas Raiders in a 14-12 loss. Neither his fiancee Taylor Swift, nor members of his immediate family were in attendance for the road matchup, giving the ultimate indication that the game wasn't his last.