The Kansas City Chiefs might've seen a 12-year NFL playoff streak come crashing down around them last season, but the team intends to return to the summit as soon as possible. With a QB like Patrick Mahomes and a coach like Andy Reid, it is easily possible. However, they might still need the third weapon that built the dynasty that won three championships in five seasons.
Veteran tight end Travis Kelce has reportedly been considering retirement since the end of last season. The 36-year-old is getting married soon to popstar fiancée Taylor Swift and could be looking ahead to his post-NFL future already. But it seems like Kelce isn't going to call it a career just yet.
After Ian Rapoport's report on Monday confirming that Kelce intends to return to the NFL and remain with the Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season, QB Mahomes was quick to send a message on Instagram by posting two pictures alongside his longtime TE with a ticking clock and an arrow in the caption.
The clock is a feature of almost every Mahomes post, but the significance of it being with Kelce after today's reports wasn't lost on fans. There's already excitement bubbling among Chiefs fans about what next season holds for them after a disappointing 2025 season.
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, with his return timeline being the biggest factor in the Chiefs' success next season. It'll be optimistic to assume he'd be ready to return by Week 1, but it wouldn't be surprising if the two-time league MVP is targeting that as his return date.
© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Kelce's reported return does indicate the TE thinks he'll have a chance to compete for another championship next season, which could be interpreted as a positive sign on Mahomes' recovery.
Kelce is among 10 Chiefs' free agents who will hit the market, but is considered crucial to the core of the franchise. He had 76 receptions last season (the lowest since his second year in the NFL) with 108 targets and 851 yards. While there has been regression in his play, he will still be a crucial weapon for Mahomes whenever the QB returns next season.
