Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs.
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Travis Kelce retirement decision: Veteran player may not end up with the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL analyst says.
Travis Kelce will be one of the most sought-after free agents if he and the Kansas City Chiefs don’t come to a deal by the start of free agency on March 11.
The Travis Kelce retirement decision, of course, has taken center stage in the NFL during the offseason, and he’s still figuring out what to do for the 2026-27 season. Word is that Kelce and the Chiefs want to come to a deal, but that hasn’t happened yet.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Kansas City Chiefs and Kelce are working to make a decision this week. That gives Kansas City the chance to go after a promising tight end in the 2026 NFL draft or veteran in free agency.
“Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a tight end? The future of Travis Kelce still very much up in the air,” the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated in an article out on Monday, March 2. “Obviously, there’s plenty of discussion.”
He added, “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.”
NFL Analyst Picks Travis Kelce NFL Team That’s Not the Kansas City Chiefs
So, it would be crazy for Kelce to sign with a different NFL team to end his career in the league. But, that doesn’t stop people from predicting that may happen.
According to Matt Verderame of SI, the Cleveland Browns would be an apt landing spot for Kelce. He does come from Cleveland, so that part makes sense, but it’s still a wild idea.
In the piece, Verderame projects that he’ll sign a one-year, $10 million. “Kelce appeared to be slowing down considerably last year, posting 823 yards on 8.5 yards per reception with three touchdowns, all the lowest totals of his career,” he notes. “The 36-year-old star had similar numbers in 2025, with 76 catches on 108 targets for 851 yards and five touchdowns.”
Verderame adds, “This may seem like a decline for Kelce’s lofty standards, but he’s still one of the most productive tight ends, evident by receiving another Pro Bowl berth in ’25. If Kelce doesn’t retire, the smart money says he and the Chiefs will work out a one-year deal, but if he’s available, he should have ample suitors.”
This Isn’t the First Time Travis Kelce Has Been Linked With Another NFL Team Outside the Kansas City Chiefs
Previously, WFAN’s Craig Carton reported that Kelce may end up with the New York Giants, another suggestion that raised eyebrows. So, this isn’t the first time he’s been linked to another team.
“The rumor is that Travis Kelce is not going to retire. He wants to come back for another year, but he does not want to go back to Kansas City,” Carton stated. “I saw a story today that Travis Kelce wants to play for the New York Giants.”
Carton added, “That way he and his wife can live in New York City, she can go to every game, and Travis Kelce can be in the biggest media market in America. I know i’ss just a rumor, but do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce this offseason.”