The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season was an unusual downturn for a franchise accustomed to contention. The team finished 6-11, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and saw its offense regress. Compounding the disappointment, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the year.
In the midst of that adversity, veteran tight end Travis Kelce produced decent numbers. In his 13th NFL season, the future Hall of Famer caught 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns, and earned his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl selection even as the Chiefs struggled.
Kelce, the 63rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s offense for over a decade. Over his career, he has set franchise records for receiving yards by a tight end and has been a key playmaker in three Super Bowl championships and six Super Bowl appearances.
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However, among the biggest talking points of the offseason has been Kelce’s future in Kansas City. His two-year, $34.25 million contract signed in 2024 has expired, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March when the 2026 league calendar resumes.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach offered an encouraging update on Tuesday. According to A to Z Sports’ Charles Goldman, Veach confirmed that Kansas City has taken a “different approach” in talks with Kelce and is preparing for every possible scenario. Veach emphasized that there’s been “good dialogue” with the tight end, calling him “the best” and “an icon” before adding, “We’ll just let that process play out.”
Head coach Andy Reid had earlier provided an update on Kelce’s situation, confirming steady communication between the team and Kelce as the veteran decides whether to play another season.
“As long as there’s communication, I’m good,” Reid said on Friday, noting that ongoing dialogue is a positive sign as both sides consider a potential return.
At 36 and approaching free agency for the first time in his career, Kelce has not publicly committed to continuing, but recent talks suggest that a reunion with Kansas City remains a distinct possibility.
Whether he ultimately returns for a 14th NFL season or explores other options, the Chiefs continue to show they intend re-signing him for at least one more year.