NFL Trade Rumors
As the Chiefs ended a disappointing season that left them out of the playoffs for the first time in well over a decade, the top question in the locker room was the future of TE Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old just finished the final year of his contract in Kansas City, and while retirement would make a lot of sense, Kelce hasn’t been willing to tip his hand yet.
“I mean, who knows? Who knows? Either it hits me quick, or I’ve got to take some time,” Kelce said via the Athletic’s Jesse Newell. “I think last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to give this one a shot. So we’ll see.”
In the past, Kelce has said he wants to play until the wheels fall off. He’s not in his prime anymore, but this past year showed the tank isn’t empty, with 76 catches, 851 yards, five touchdowns and a Pro Bowl berth. It was an improvement over his 2024 season when retirement also seemed like a serious possibility.
“Obviously, we didn’t do as well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll with the right intentions,” Kelce said. “The ball just didn’t go our way in a lot of those close games, unfortunately. And I think if I do choose to come back, that’s something I’ve really got to focus on, making sure that I’m available and I’m ready for those moments.”
Another wrinkle in Kelce’s situation this year compared to last is his contract status. He and the Chiefs would have to work out a new deal for him to be back.
“That’s all down the road,” Kelce said. “I think I’ve still got to make that decision first to even feel what kind of importance that (money in the contract) means to me.”
At least one teammate doesn’t think the world has seen the last of Kelce yet.
“I’m not buying it,” Chiefs DT Chris Jones said. “He’ll be back next year.”
