If Travis Kelce retires this NFL offseason, there’ll be an awfully appealing job offer sent his way the very next day.
Kelce has not yet announced his plans for the 2026 NFL season. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported earlier this month that Kelce is leaning towards a return to the Kansas City Chiefs. Though he’s no longer considered the best tight end in the game, he’s coming off a respectable season where he had 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns.
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While there have been some rumblings about Kelce potentially leaving the Chiefs for another NFL team, it doesn’t sound like that’ll actually happen. In fact, a broadcasting gig might be the biggest threat to Kansas City.
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, a TV gig for Kelce would most likely come with a $15 million salary. That being said, Kelce might wait until 2027 to join the broadcast booth.
“Travis Kelce appears as if he will try to play another season before potentially trying broadcasting, where he would like to call games, but probably could pick up at least $15 million per year as a studio presence,” Marchand said.
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Interestingly enough, Marchand named Kelce as a “wild card” option to replace Kirk Herbstreit as Prime Video’s color analyst for “Thursday Night Football.”
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after first down during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
(© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)When will Travis Kelce make a decision?
During a previous episode of “New Heights,” Kelce suggested that he’ll announce his plans for the 2026 season well before the offseason madness ramps up.
“Seeing my brother go through it and how the league works, the season restarts in April,” Kelce said. “I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not or if they want me back. It’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they need to make draft picks and free agency opens. All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”
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The Chiefs have already said they want Kelce back for one last bid at another Super Bowl title.
Do you think Kelce will run it back in Kansas City?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.