TRAVIS Kelce might not be the only Kansas City Chiefs player the team has to worry about retiring from the NFL.
The latest headache comes a week after the Chiefs’ disappointing Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chiefs have won three Super Bowls in the last six campaigns, but they’ll have to worry about the future of the 10-time Pro Bowler Kelce who has been mulling about retiring this offseason.
However, Kansas City has another player’s status to be concerned about as the new league year approaches next month.
It was reported by Chiefs’ Digest Matt Derrick that it’s possible long snapper James Winchester could call it quits.
Just like Kelce, Winchester will be 36 years of age in the 2025 campaign.
Winchester has been playing with the Chiefs since 2015.
The Oklahoma product is only one of six players who have won all three Super Bowl titles the Kansas City squad won with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
Winchester is tied with Kelce for the most playoff appearances (25) rocking a Chiefs uniform.
Before Super Bowl 59, Winchester opened up on his future, suggesting that leaving the game could be an option.
“Man, well, we’re rolling right now,” Winchester told Chiefs Digest.
“And this is a special organization, a special team.
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“Having the opportunity to play for Hall of Fame coaches, with future Hall of Famers, it’s unreal.
“… I think it’s one of those things that you just evaluate after every season.”
Winchester also didn’t indicate whether he believes the team will hand him a contract extension offer.
His remarks did imply that he’d still ponder about retirement after the 2024-25 big game.
“At my age, you sign one-year (contracts) every year, which falls in line with that, ‘Hey evaluate it after every season and keep going,’ Winchester added.
“Feeling great now and still snapping, but we’ll decide that after the season.”
Winchester suffered a shoulder injury during the 2024 NFL preseason.
Luckily for him, the 35-year-old didn’t miss any time in the regular season.
Other than Winchester and Kelce, whom the team reportedly wants to make a retirement decision by March 14, the Chiefs also have other players’ futures to worry about.
The reigning AFC champion squad has 20 players set to become unrestricted free agents.
Among the players are offensive lineman Trey Smith, wide receiver Marquise Brown, linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive lineman Charles Owenihu, and safety Justin Reid.
