Travis Kelce had one of his worst seasons in his career in 2025. The Kansas City Chiefs had a 6-11 record in last season and were third in the AFC West. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and fans wanted big changes to take place.
With the offseason ongoing, the franchise let go of many players and brought in others. Many thought that Kelce would finally retire, but he has released a statement.
Travis Kelce signs new contract with Chiefs
The Chiefs have officially confirmed that veteran tight end Kelce will stay for the 2026 season. He will not retire as speculated and will enter his 14th NFL campaign in 2026. He has signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $57.735 million, with an average annual value of approximately $18.245 million.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
While the extension is for three years, it is primarily a one-year commitment for 2026. He receives $12 million fully guaranteed, which consists of a $3 million base salary and the rest $9 million in roster bonuses. The other two years on his contract are for cap-management purposes, spreading out a roughly $10.7 million restructure bonus.
Kelce himself confirmed his extension on the official social media platforms of the franchise. In a viral video, he is seen excitedly saying, “Chiefs Kingdom! Let’s go baby! It’s official. Excited for 2026, and just excited to put on the Chiefs uniform in front of you guys again. Let’s get Arrowhead rocking baby. We will see you guys in a few months.”
Kelce was thought to be retiring due to his age and his physical decline. He still put up a decent performance in 2025, though it was far from his best. He played in 17 games where he had 76 receives for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, many fans did not take kindly to the news that he will be staying.
Fans attack Travis Kelce over new contract
Many felt that it was time for Kelce to leave them due to his decline, and criticized his new contract as well.
One user wrote, “Please just retire. You’re a liability. Ur so washed. You were washed 3 years ago!”
A second user said, “Dude has been declining for the last 4 years. He’s the backup TE and he’s engaged to a billionaire, and takes this egregious contract…. Smh”.
A third user replied, “As the biggest Chiefs fan on earth, we’re tired of you Kelce. You’re holding us back, time to retire bud.”
Another added, “A three-year contract for a 36-year-old who hasn’t been the player he once was for a long time? I don’t like it. 😬”
A fifth user commented, “What a joke! The Chiefs are going to look like an absolute train wreck this season.”
A sixth user remarked, “Gave me 3 more years to despise this team, this guy is a serious DBAG!”.
Travis Kelce will need to prepare himself for the 2026 NFL season soon.