The Kansas City Chiefs are bracing themselves for Travis Kelce‘s offseason decision.
Kelce has yet to officially disclose if he’ll return for a 14th season. If he does, the 36-year-old could test free agency before re-signing with Kansas City to pursue a fourth Super Bowl championship.
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Chiefs general manager Brent Veach explained the team’s mindset regarding Kelce to reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. He referenced head coach Andy Reid saying Friday that the organization has continued to communicate with Kelce while awaiting a decision.
“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that I think we’ve kind of prepared for either scenario,” Veach said. “Coach had mentioned on Friday that he’s had great dialogue with Travis on our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea, Travis’ crew. We’ve had some good dialogue there. And I’m sure we’re going to see him here just like we will all the other players’ agents, and we’ll continue that dialogue.”
“Travis is the best”
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Kelce hasn’t revealed his plans to play or retire, but it sounds like Kansas City wants him to return. Veach praised the 11-time Pro Bowler, who tallied 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season.
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“Travis is the best,” Veach added. “He’s an icon. Hopefully he comes back, and we’ll just kind of let that process play out.”
However, Veach won’t rush Kelce’s decision. The Chiefs are instead preparing for each scenario of keeping or losing the future Hall of Famer.
“Travis has done everything. He’s accomplished everything,” Veach said. “He’s about to get married; he has a lot going on. So I think there’s an element of us not trying to — you need some sort of deadline, timeline. But at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce. We’re gonna continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends, but I think we’re trying to position ourselves that, either way, we have a plan moving forward.”
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.