Free agent tight end Travis Kelce remains undecided about his playing future ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has confirmed ongoing communication with the 36-year-old veteran. If Kelce chooses to continue, a return to the Chiefs is anticipated.
Travis Kelce, who completed his 13th NFL season with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, has not yet decided whether to retire. The Chiefs finished the previous year with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs. In January, following that season, Kelce stated he needed to assess how his body would respond after the campaign.
Coach Andy Reid addressed the situation this week, emphasizing the importance of their talks. "There is communication. That's the main thing," Reid said. "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. He's been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. We're proceeding with that, and there is communication."
Kelce first broached the topic of retirement in 2023, noting the physical toll of over a decade in the league. He is also preparing to marry his fiancée, Taylor Swift, later this year. Recently, on his New Heights podcast, Kelce expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Eric Bieniemy, who is returning as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator after a decade of collaboration.
"I can't wait to see him back in the building," Kelce said. "He's one of my favorite coaches of all-time, one of my favorite people of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy and it's going to be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby."
The team faces challenges, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes may miss the start of the 2026 season due to an ACL injury. NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero noted Friday that Kelce is leaning toward returning and remains a "functional" player at his position.
