Travis Kelce has not yet announced if he'll retire or return for the 2026 season, and yet, he's dominating the headlines this offseason.
Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, finished the 2025 season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns. His days of being the No. 1 tight end in the league are over, but he's still capable of making plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
During an appearance on "SportsCenter" this Wednesday, ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum discussed Kelce's outlook heading into free agency. The former general manager of the New York Jets believes the Chiefs should let their franchise legend walk this offseason. He thinks it's time for Andy Reid's offense to get more explosive at tight end.
"I would move on from Travis Kelce. And let me tell you why. When you’re in the front office, you have to project what a player is going to do, not what they’ve done. I’ve made that mistake countless times in my career," Tannenbaum said. "And Travis Kelce is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but when you watch him and make an honest and sober evaluation of his 2025 performance, clearly his best days are behind him. You talk about their lack of explosive plays, if I was Kansas City, I would make the right, albeit difficult, decision to move on from Travis Kelce. Try to get younger, faster, more explosive at the tight end position."
© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones didn't appreciate that suggestion from Tannenbaum. He posted this response on social media: "Shut up….."
Jones has already said that he wants Kelce back in Kansas City for the 2026 season.
"I'm not buying it, he'll be back next year," said Jones. "I can't promise you anything about another man. This was a tricky year for us. I have faith in my dawg coming back."
Will Travis Kelce return?
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported earlier this month that Kelce is leaning towards a return to the Chiefs.
"I'm told that while retirement has been discussed, many close to Travis Kelce believe he could return for a 14th season," Russini said. "The future Hall of Famer has yet to make a final decision about his future."
A final decision should be announced by Kelce in the coming weeks.