Travis Kelce isn’t done yet.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback is expected to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 14th NFL season, NFL Networks insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Kelce will turn down more money from other teams in free agency to stay with the Chiefs, Rapoport added.
In a surprising turn of events, Kelce’s decision not to retire is the product of weeks of discussion. Rapoport reported on Feb. 8 that Kansas City hoped Kelce would return to action and would speak with the veteran after the Super Bowl.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on Feb. 20 before the merger that the team had “communicated” with Kelce.
“As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move on,” Reid told reporters. “I think that’s where Trav is. I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all and I’m trying to give him some space here.”
The 36-year-old tight end is coming off one of his worse statistical seasons in years, finishing with 76 receptions on 108 targets (his lowest totals in a decade) and 851 receiving yards. Kelce played his first full season in three years and was voted to the Pro Bowl for the 11th straight year, but his bosses missed the postseason for the first time since 2014.
After Kansas City was eliminated in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, a game in which star quarterback Patrick Mahomes also suffered a season-ending torn ACL, Kelce said he would give the Chiefs “everything I got” in their final three games, suggesting they could be the final three of his career.
Kelce received a standing ovation from Chiefs Kingdom in Kansas City’s Week 17 loss to Denver, which was believed to be his last game at Arrowhead. He dunked at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas after the Chiefs’ season-ending loss to the Raiders. After the Week 18 game, Kelce said the decision to retire would likely take some time.
Almost two months later, the tight end has made his decision. He will return to the Chiefs in 2026.