Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs.
Getty
Travis Kelce is making his retirement decision, and now, the stipulations for him coming back to the Kansas City Chiefs have been revealed.
Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of talks for the 2026-27 season. So, what’s the big Travis Kelce retirement decision, and his he coming back to the team? On Monday, March 2, new information surfaced about Kelce and the stipulations surround his return.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Kansas City Chiefs and Kelce expect to come to a decision this week. That gives the team time time to look hard at their tight end options in the 2026 NFL draft, if they quickly need a Kelce successor.
But, there’s more Travis Kelce retirement news. Rapoport also says there’s one thing the Chiefs want to make sure of before they sign him.
Travis Kelce Retirement News: The Kansas City Chiefs Have One Request
Speaking on Monday, March 2, Rapoport talked in-depth about Kelce’s retirement decision. He revealed that the Chiefs want to make sure he’s all in if he comes back.
“Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a tight end? The future of Travis Kelce still very much up in the air,” Rapoport said. “Obviously, there’s plenty of discussion. General manager Brett Veach talking to reporters saying they really wanted to allow Travis Kelce to go through is process to make absolutely sure he’s going to return for the 2026 season. As of right now, that has not been fully determined.”
He added that there’s been discussion “about a potential contract” and that he’s “only going to play for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
“But they want to make sure when there is a decision he is 1,000% all in,” Rapoport added. “This week, we should have some answers from Kansas City. What we know is they for sure want him back, especially considering how he played last year.”
Travis Kelce is Making His Retirement Decision Alongside Taylor Swift
Of course, Kelce will be a married man soon, so Swift is likely helping him with his retirement decision. He’s indicated that he wasn’t satisfied with how his time with the Kansas City Chiefs ended last season.
“I think I’m still searching for those answers,” Kelce said when asked about retirement before the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas game in an interview on Amazon’s Prime Video. “Obviously, the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth.”
Kelce added, “I feel motivated but I’ve got to make the right decision for me. I’ve got to hope that if I do wanna come back that the Chiefs are willing to bring me back. It’s a two-way street on that.”
Joel Corry of CBS Sports states in a February 20 feature on what Kelce would be worth if he comes back, the tight end will likely have a much lower salary. But, that’s okay.
“Kelce is clearly on the decline,” he states. “Nonetheless, he still tied for sixth in receptions among tight ends and was fourth in receiving yards for tight ends last season. Kelce’s 76 catches for 851 yards with five touchdowns in 17 games would be a career year for a lot of tight ends. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th straight time.”