Many people were wondering if Travis Kelce was going to retire. Instead, he signed a new three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason. Kelce has shown major signs of slowing down, but he has been one of the best at the tight end position for several NFL seasons.
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Feb 13, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (left) and NFL former quarterback Alex Smith (right) on the 10th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
At some point, they are going to need to find a Kelce replacement. The Chiefs plan on being contenders for the next few seasons despite having an 6-11 record. It will be interesting to see if Kelce can turn back the clock next season at 36 years old. If not, that contract is going to look very bad for Kansas City.
PFF NFL Analyst Believes That Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce Is One of the Best at His Position Ever
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Feb 12, 2026; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Travis Kelce (left) shakes hands with a caddie on the ninth hole during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Profootballfocus.com writer Bradley Locker wrote about different current NFL players who are on the verge of being a hall of famer. He has Kelce as a lock to be in Canton, Ohio. Locker said,
“Mahomes’ go-to option throughout the Chiefs’ dynasty, Kelce is irrefutably one of the premier tight ends in NFL history. As a seven-time All-Pro and three-time champion, Kelce is also the most valuable tight end by WAR (4.90) over the last eight years. For good measure, Kelce’s 90.8 playoff PFF receiving grade is the third-best among all players in the PFF era (since 2006).
The question for Kelce is how much longer he’ll keep going rather than his Hall of Fame status, because he projects as a first-ballot entry.”
Kelce is the best tight end since Rob Gronkowski played for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well. He has caught 1,080 passes for 13,002 yards receiving and 82 touchdowns, along with averaging 12.0 yards per reception. If Kelce can stay on the field for the next three seasons, there is a chance that he could maybe eclipse 15,000 yards receiving and 100 touchdowns. Even if he doesn’t, accomplish that, that doesn’t take away what Kelce has accomplished throughout his NFL career here.
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