The Kansas City Chiefs said they are “prepared for both scenarios” with Travis Kelce as he becomes a free agent next month, but the general manager said he has had “positive” discussions with the 36-year-old.
Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West ended last season.
Kansas, which has advanced to the Super Bowl five times over the past seven seasons and won three, has had a forgettable campaign by failing to advance to the postseason.
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Travis Kelce is uncertain about his decision to retire after his final Kansas City Chiefs home game.
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The legendary tight end almost walked away after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl loss in 2025, but he returned for one more year.
If Kelce returns for a 14th season, he will be joined by coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said the franchise would welcome him back.
“I think I took a different approach than Travis in that I prepared for one of two scenarios,” Veach said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
“Coach mentioned that he had a great conversation with Travis on Friday. On our side, Chris Shea and Travis’ team had a great conversation there. I’m sure we’ll see him here, as will every other player’s agent, and we’ll continue that conversation.
“Travis is the best. He’s an icon and we hope he comes back. We’ll let that take its course.”
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Kelce scored his 84th touchdown against the Denver Broncos, becoming the leading scorer in Chiefs history.
With Kelce set to marry pop star Taylor Swift after proposing last August, many have suggested it’s time for Kelce to finally hang up the cleats.
“This is not a normal situation. This is a 27-year-old first-time free agent,” Veach said.
“Travis has done everything, accomplished everything. He’s getting married soon and has a lot going on.
“So I don’t think there’s any element of it that we’re not working on. There needs to be some kind of deadline (or) timeline, but at the same time, being Travis Kelce, we’re going to continue to have positive conversations and see where this ends up.
“I think we’re trying to position ourselves one way or the other and we have a plan moving forward.”
