Leading up to the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX, questions were raised about a potential Travis Kelce retirement. The future Hall of Famer ultimately made it clear his career would continue in 2025. 
As of June, Kelce had not committed to suiting up beyond the current season. The pending free agent’s future is still not certain on that front, but he has offered an update on his situation. Kelce’s latest comments indicate he will have a decision in place before the start of the 2026 league year.
“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not — or whether they want me back or not,” the 36-year-old said (via ESPN’s Nate Taylor). “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately.”
Kelce specified he will not arrive at a commitment one way or another until this coming offseason. The three-time Super Bowl champion will not play for a team other than Kansas City, but the Chiefs will need to decide on a new financial commitment in the near future. Kelce agreed to a two-year, $34.25MM pact in 2024; that deal places him near the top of the financial pecking order at the tight end spot.
A pay cut would come as a surprise if the four-time All-Pro does wind up playing next year. On the other hand, Kansas City could benefit from another one-year Kelce accord. A 2010s All-Decade Team member, he saw a major downturn in production last season before experiencing a notable turnaround in 2025. Kelce has posted 631 yards and four touchdowns on 50 catches so far this year.
It remains to be seen if Kelce’s resurgence will be enough for the Chiefs to reach the playoffs, and the team faces a number of questions heading into the offseason either way. One of the main talking points surrounding Kansas City will of course surround Kelce and his desire to continue playing. This will no doubt remain a storyline until further clarity emerges.
The 2026 league year will begin on March 11 with free agency officially opening. By that point, based on today’s comments, Kelce and the Chiefs will know where they stand with respect to retirement.