Chiefs prepared for either Kelce retirement or return scenario
Kelce becomes free agent next month after 13-season career
Team has had positive discussions with Kelce about potential return
Kelce's upcoming marriage to Taylor Swift influencing retirement decision
📖 Full Retelling
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach announced on February 25, 2026, that the team is 'prepared for either scenario' regarding 36-year-old tight end Travis Kelce, who is scheduled to become a free agent next month amid retirement speculation following his 13-season career with the organization. Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season as the Chiefs' run of dominance in the AFC West ended. The team, who have reached the Super Bowl five times in the past seven seasons winning three, had a disappointing campaign as they failed to reach the post-season. The legendary tight end came closest to walking away after their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, but he returned for another year. If Kelce decides to return for a 14th season, it would be with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with Veach emphasizing the franchise would welcome him back and noting they've had 'good dialogue' with Kelce's representatives. With Kelce set to marry pop star Taylor Swift after proposing last August, many have suggested the time is right for the Chiefs star to finally hang up his cleats, though the team is positioning themselves to have a plan regardless of his decision.
🏷️ Themes
NFL Free Agency, Career Transition, Team Management
Travis Michael Kelce ( KEL-see; born October 5, 1989) is an American professional football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft and later won Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII with the team....
National Football League franchise in Kansas City, Missouri
# Kansas City Chiefs
The **Kansas City Chiefs** are a professional American football franchise based in Kansas City, Missouri. The team competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the **American Football Conference (AFC) West division**.
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Brett Veach (born December 19, 1977) is an American professional football executive who is the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Prior to being the Chiefs general manager, he was the Chiefs' co-director of player personnel. He began his career as an ass...
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Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs 'prepared' for tight end's retirement with 36-year-old scheduled to become a free agent next month Is Travis Kelce returning to the Kansas City Chiefs or retiring? . If the 36-year-old Kelce returns for a 14th season, it'll be with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes Wednesday 25 February 2026 07:37, UK Kansas City Chiefs have said they are "prepared for either scenario" with Travis Kelce set to become a free agent next month, although the general manager has revealed they have had "positive" discussions with the 36-year-old. Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season as the Chiefs' run of dominance in the AFC West ended. Kansas, who have reached the Super Bowl five times in the past seven seasons, winning three, had a campaign to forget as they failed to reach the post-season. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Travis Kelce remains uncertain on his retirement decision following what could of been his last Kansas City Chiefs home game Darnold, Durde, drinks and a tale of Super Bowl defiance Super Bowl 2027: All you need to know Seahawks beat Patriots in masterclass to win Super Bowl 60 Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland Enter Course, City, or Postal Code Courses View More Courses Locations View More Locations No results found. . Search The legendary tight end came closest to walking away on the back of their Super Bowl thrashing by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, but he returned for another year. If Kelce returns for a 14th season, it'll be with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says the franchise would welcome him back. "I think we've kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we've prepared for either scenario," Veach said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. "Coach had mentioned on Friday he's had great dialogue with...
