Travis Kelce reportedly expected to return to Chiefs for 2026 season

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images

Kelce took time after the 2025 season to contemplate his future, eventually opting for a return in 2026. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Ian Maule via Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs tight end and future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is reportedly expected to return to the Chiefs in the 2026 NFL season, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.

Back for more: #Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him.

At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay. pic.twitter.com/3yiT63vvYp

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that it will likely be a one-year deal for Kelce to return to the Chiefs, as the two sides continue to negotiate a new contract.

Kelce was scheduled to become a free agent in 2026, approaching his 37th birthday in October. The four-time first-team All-Pro has made 11 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, with 12 consecutive campaigns of 800-plus receiving yards.

The Chiefs finished the season 6-11 after their luck in one-score games cratered and the team was hit by numerous injuries, including a torn ACL suffered by QB Patrick Mahomes in December as the team’s playoff hopes were hanging on by a thread.


Kelce, 36, finished with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 as he joined Jerry Rice as just the second player to have 12 consecutive seasons with over 800 receiving yards and Tim Brown with 10 straight seasons of 75 or more catches.

This breaking news story will be updated.

Continue reading...