The 2026 NFL offseason is underway, and the biggest question hanging over the Kansas City Chiefs has nothing to do with free agency or the draft. It’s about Travis Kelce.
The star tight end has been the backbone of the Chiefs’ dynasty for more than a decade, but his future with the franchise feels murky. Patrick Mahomes is working his way back from a torn ACL and LCL.
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The Chiefs finished a brutal 6-11 campaign. Those two factors have created constant chatter about whether Kelce will be back for another season.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watches a play against the Las Vegas Raiders from the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Former NFL executive and current insider Mike Tannenbaum recently gave his opinion on the matter during an ESPN Get Up segment, and he didn’t hold back.
“I wouldn’t do it, and that’s when you’re in the front office, and you’re a head coach, you have to make the honest and sober observation that you want to pay a player for what they’re going to do, not what they’ve done. He is slowing down,” Tannenbaum said.
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“There’s some really good tight ends in the draft. Like Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, Michael Trigg, amongst others. If I’m Kansas City, go get the next guy. Honor Travis Kelce for what he’s done, but go get the next young tight end and go take care of these other needs. Tackle, running back, and receiver.”
Kelce still posted respectable numbers last season with 76 catches, 851 yards, and five touchdowns despite Kansas City’s struggles. For most tight ends, that production would signal a career year. For Kelce, it’s prompted questions about his decline.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce warms up before a game. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
His contract expires in March 2026, and retirement rumors continue to swirl around him. A 14th NFL season is not guaranteed at this point. Reports suggest he’s leaning toward returning to the Chiefs, but nothing has been made official.
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Kelce has plenty of off-field ventures demanding his attention, which adds another layer to the decision. The explosive speed that defined his prime years has faded. That said, he is still a reliable starting-caliber tight end.
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The post Andy Reid’s Chiefs urged to make tough Travis Kelce decision before NFL Draft appeared first on The Big Lead.