Travis Kelce is an unrestricted free agent after his deal signed two years ago expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs are interested in his return - but it may have to be at the right price
16:53 ET, 24 Feb 2026
Travis Kelce is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history
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Travis Kelce is considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history(Image: Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for Travis Kelce to either return or retire as the tight end ponders his future.
Kelce appears increasingly likely to return for a 14th NFL season, which would provide a boost for the Chiefs. The AFC West franchise is coming off a torrid 2025 season, during which it missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
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Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, leaving his hopes of playing the whole 2026 campaign in doubt. However, if Kelce is to return, a new deal needs to be ironed out as the veteran finds himself as an unrestricted free agent.
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Last week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid claimed there had been no movement between either side in negotiations. But on Tuesday, general manager Brett Veach confirmed the Chiefs are more than willing to welcome Kelce back if he decides to suit up.
“Coach mentioned on Friday he’s had great dialogue with Travis,” Veach told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I’m sure we’re going to see [Kelce’s agent] here — just like we will all the other players’ agents — and we’ll continue that dialogue.
“But Travis is the best. He’s an icon. Hopefully, he comes back and we’ll just kind of let that process play out.”
Kelce’s production in 2025 suggests he can still contribute at a high level. He recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games and earned his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
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Travis Kelce has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs
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Travis Kelce has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
The 36-year-old is a free agent after his two-year deal worth $34.25 million expired. That contract briefly made him the league’s highest-paid tight end, and both George Kittle and Trey McBride each surpassed that annual average with extensions last offseason, resetting the top of the position.
The Chiefs need to strike a balance between sentiment and need when considering a new deal for Kelce. The franchise faces multiple offseason questions at wide receiver and running back, which could be addressed in the draft.
“It’s not your typical, hey, 27-year-old, first time in free agency,” Veach added. “Travis has done everything, he’s accomplished everything. He’s about to get married. He’s got a lot going on.
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“You need some sort of deadline. But at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce. So we’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. But I think we’re trying to position ourselves where either way, we have a plan moving forward.”
Kelce has proved there is fight left in his game. After averaging a career-low 8.5 yards per reception in 2024, Kelce finished 2025 with 11.2 yards per reception — his best mark in that category since 2022.