As per an insider, Travis Kelce might return to his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, after the offseason. The 36-year-old tight end sparked retirement rumors after the Chiefs failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. However, Kelce has hinted in several press interactions that he is willing to return to the Chiefs and play another NFL season.
ESPN insider said this about Travis Kelce’s future with Chiefs
ESPN insider weighs in on Travis Kelce’s future with the Chiefs. Nate Taylor said on Wednesday, March 4, “He’s coming back, guys. Every indication I’ve gotten is that Travis Kelce is looking forward to coming back. When we’ll know that for sure, that’s really his prerogative” (via 96.5 The Fan).
Notably, the NFL’s free agency window officially opens on Wednesday, March 11. The ESPN insider explained to fans how this really works. Taylor reasoned, “I know some people are like, ‘If he hasn’t really signed before free agency starts, how does that affect free agency?’ I’m like, ‘Eh, it doesn’t really affect free agency. They can allocate that money however they want.’”
Furthermore, Taylor explained that the Chiefs can pay Kelce a large signing bonus and manage the finances in a way that doesn’t burn a hole in their pocket. He elucidated, “They might give him, maybe a two-year deal where you can spread some of that money out and give a pretty nice chunk of signing bonus to get that base salary to be manageable for 2026.”
Continuing further, Taylor explained, “If you gotta eat it in 2027 if (Kelce) retires, you go ahead and eat it. He’s given you everything you could have asked for already.”
Previously, Andy Reid hinted that talks with the team’s tight end are underway, but no decision has been finalized yet. Reid shared, “No, there is communication, though. That’s the main thing. I’ve said this before: As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move forward. I think that’s where Trav is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here” (via NFL Media).
