{"id":738717,"date":"2026-02-08T19:48:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T19:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/738717\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T19:48:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T19:48:23","slug":"chiefs-and-andy-reid-get-important-update-on-travis-kelces-retirement-decision-for-2026-amid-super-bowl-frenzy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/738717\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs and Andy Reid get important update on Travis Kelce’s retirement decision for 2026 amid Super Bowl frenzy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travis Kelce<\/a> has not yet made a final decision about his future. However, according to a report from Ian Rapoport, the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> expect the tight end to return for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe perennial Pro Bowler, who had a resurgent 2025 to reassert his place among the game\u2019s best despite being 36 years old, has not made a firm decision on his future. However, he has been in touch with his team about a potential return and Kansas City wants him back, sources say. The plan is to reconvene after the Super Bowl to finalize a plan that works for both parties.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Chiefs have many questions throughout their roster due to the complications they have with the salary cap. In addition, Patrick Mahomes<\/a> is still recovering from a knee injury and, although the outlook is positive, there are still no guarantees that he will be ready. Amid all that uncertainty, Kelce is also a question mark.<\/p>\n

Travis Kelce\u2019s retirement decision for 2026<\/p>\n

Travis Kelce promised that his retirement decision<\/a> would be known before the start of free agency and the draft so that, if he said goodbye, the Kansas City Chiefs would have room to maneuver to find a possible replacement.<\/p>\n

If the legendary tight end returns to chase another Super Bowl<\/a>, Rapoport notes that a very important detail will be Kelce\u2019s contract, as it would need to be team-friendly given that the Chiefs are strapped by the salary cap.<\/p>\n

\u201cKelce played out the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million extension last season, so he would need a new deal. The issue now is that Kansas City is significantly over the cap, currently $50 million-plus over the projected cap of more than $300 million. While it\u2019ll be no issue for K.C. to get under the cap, these gymnastics often take time into March. Expect clarity sooner, rather than later, on Kelce.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Chiefs<\/p>\n

see also<\/p>\n

Chiefs HC Andy Reid gets controversial message from Tom Brady\u2019s teammate on Super Bowl dynasty with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce<\/p>\n

<\/a>\"miguel<\/a><\/p>\n