Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has yet to announce whether he will retire from the NFL or return for what would be his 14th professional season, leaving both fans and the franchise in suspense.

With the offseason now underway and Kelce’s contract set to expire in March, he is taking time to weigh his options-ranging from another year on the gridiron to a lucrative post-football career in media.

Kelce, 36, wrapped up a 2025 season that saw the Chiefs finish 6-11, missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

While statistics such as 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns represented a slight decline from his peak years, his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats remains secure.

During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, NFL insider Ian Rapaport declared that Kansas City is expected to announce something soon.

“This week we should have some answers from Kansas City,” he said.

“What we know is that they for sure, for sure want him back, especially considering how he played last year. The thing we don’t know right now is, ‘Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a new tight end?’ The future of Travis Kelce [is] still very much up in the air.”

Rapoport noted that Kansas City’s plans in the NFL Draft hinge on Kelce’s decision, with the team wanting him fully committed, while observers point out that his age, recent form, and upcoming wedding to Taylor Swift may signal the end of his playing days.

However, Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach remains hopeful that Kelce will suit up again, stating the organization has prepared for multiple scenarios while maintaining open dialogue with the tight end and his representatives.

“We’ve taken a different approach with Travis,” Veach said. “In the sense that we’ve kind of prepared for either scenario. Coach [Andy Reid] mentioned on Friday he’s had good dialogue with Travis.

“On our end, myself, [assistant general manager] Chris Shea, Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there. I’m sure we’re gonna see [Kelce’s agent] here just like we will all the other players’ agents and we’ll continue that dialogue.

“But Travis is the best, he’s an icon… and hopefully he’ll come back. We’ll just kind of let that process play out.”

Outside of football, Kelce would have numerous options if he retires, including broadcasting opportunities. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Kelce appears likely to play another season.

Yet he could command “at least $15 million per year” on the air if he transitions to media, marking an interesting fork road for the tight end as he weighs up his options.

Chiefs set to axe Super Bowl-winning veteran

Along with the receiving game, Kansas City’s rushing attack struggled at times in 2025, forcing Patrick Mahomes to lead the team in carries during multiple games, while one veteran running back now faces an uncertain future with the franchise.

The Athletic’s Jesse Newell reports that Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round pick in 2022 and key contributor to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, is “likely” to sign elsewhere as a free agent, as his rookie contract has expired and injuries have limited him to 20 games over the past two seasons.

Pacheco’s 2023-25 stretch yielded 952 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, a drop from his early production, prompting Kansas City to explore new options in the backfield as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.

Recently, the Chiefs have been linked to top running backs such as Breece Hall and Travis Etienne, each offering different skill sets and the potential to reinvigorate Kansas City’s offense while complementing Patrick Mahomes’ dynamic passing game.

With Kelce’s final decision imminent and Pacheco’s future in flux, the Chiefs face pivotal moves that could reshape their roster, and fans are watching closely as the team charts its path forward for 2026.