The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the football world on Monday afternoon when it was reported that Travis Kelce won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon. The 36-year-old tight end has been contemplating retirement for at least a few years, however, that seems to be a thing of the past.
Here are the full details.
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Chiefs Sign Travis Kelce To Massive 3-Year Deal
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
#Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce has signed his contract, officially locking him in for 2026.
It’s a 3-year, $54.735M deal that can be worth up to $57.735M ($18.245M average) done by agent Mike Simon (@mikevmgsports) of@milkhoneysport. Year 1 is $12M plus 3M in incentives.
The move locks in one of the best tight ends in NFL history until at least his age 39 season. While it was widely believed he would come back for the 2026 season, few analysts predicted a massive three year extension.
The decision comes after Kelce posted a respectable 2025 season:
76 receptions
851 yards
5 touchdowns
An average of 11.2 yards per catch
According to analyst Billy Heyen:
The reality is that at his age, Kelce is going to year-to-year on his retirement decision regardless of his contract status.
Whether he’s on a one-year deal or a 10-year deal, the 36-year old Kelce will spend the opening portion of each offseason deciding whether he’s had enough.
So in that sense, the length of the deal almost doesn’t matter. The only reason it’s significant for Kelce is likely that it means when he gets to his next personal decision about retirement, he’ll know he’s still under contract with the Chiefs. Heading into this offseason, Kelce also had to worry about the prospect of free agency.
Kansas City could’ve also structured the money in this deal in all kinds of ways that hamper the Chiefs’ books less if Kelce does only stay for one year. The Chiefs don’t have to pay a player once retired, so the extra years could just be a matter of optics.
All that’s known for sure is that Kelce will play for the Chiefs in 2026. Beyond that is anyone’s guess.
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