Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Getty
Tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Kansas City Chiefs look like they’ll be bringing the band back together for one last ride.
Dianna Russinni of The Athletic reported on Sunday, March 8 that several league sources now believe that tight end Travis Kelce will return to the NFL for a 14th season and that his plans include playing for the only team he ever has as a professional.
“Based on conversations with several teams, TE Travis Kelce appears motivated to return to play a 14th season,” Russinni wrote. “The Chiefs remain very much in the mix to re-sign the three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro.”
Travis Kelce’s Return Will Cement Chiefs’ Superstar Trio for 10th Season
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri
GettyQuarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Some big changes have already come in Kansas City, with more likely on the way, after the team dealt superstar cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams ahead of free agency in return for a draft haul that includes the No. 29 overall pick in the first round.
The Chiefs are now equipped with pick Nos. 9, 29 and 40, as well as six more selections down the line, to fill a myriad of needs on both sides of the football. Kansas City is in the mix for players at positions including edge-rusher, defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and running back this spring.
That said, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be back with the Chiefs as soon as he is fully recovered from an ACL/LCL injury he sustained during a Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mahomes could be healthy as early as Week 1, though he could also easily miss a full month. It will all depend on his progress and how comfortable the franchise is with putting an all-time player back on the field after by far the worst injury of his career.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones will also be back for his 11th pro season, all of which have come with the Chiefs. Kelce, Mahomes and Jones comprise a superstar trio that led the Chiefs to seven straight AFC Championship Game appearances between 2018-24, which included five trips to the Super Bowl and three titles.
Chiefs Must Be Precise, Successful in Both Draft and Free Agency to Compete in 2026
Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs
GettyCornerback Jaylen Watson of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs started the offseason with the worst salary cap situation in the league, though various moves have put upwards of $25 million in their coffers heading into the free agency negotiating period, which begins on Monday, two days ahead of the new league year on Wednesday.
How much of that $25 million Kelce commands is meaningful, as Chiefs players like cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook are both free agents this week.
Kansas City could easily watch both of those players depart in free agency and may be best situated to replace them via the draft, which will be the more important acquisition pathway for the Chiefs this offseason regardless.
That said, the team needs to hit on at least a couple of free agents beyond Kelce this spring, as well as succeed in the draft, if it hopes to return to contention in 2026.