Travis Kelce has not ruled out playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026 and says he will make his decision by early March.
The 36-year-old tight end is in the final year of his contract and last week broke the franchise record for the number of touchdowns with 84.
Kelce has spent the past 13 years with the Chiefs and made it clear he wants to give them adequate time to find a replacement if he does walk away – vowing to let them know before NFL free agency begins.
“I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not – or whether they want me back or not,” Kelce said. “I’d like to make that decision before they’ve got to get draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster appropriately.
“All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then.”
#Chiefs Travis Kelce was asked about his future in Kansas City & the potential of a new contract in the offseason:
"All that will be at the end of the season & I won't be thinking about it until then." #ChiefsKingdom @KSHB41 pic.twitter.com/hOeFI431iR
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) November 21, 2025
Despite his veteran status, Kelce is still the main threat in the Chiefs’ offense. He leads the team this season in targets (66), receptions (50), yards (631) and touchdowns (four).
“I think what you’re seeing is I’m a product of my environment right now,” Kelce added. “Everything is predicated off of how the offensive line does and how the guys around us do and, obviously, the chemistry me and [Patrick Mahomes] have been able to accumulate over the years.”
Kelce has work to do this season
Kelce will need to remain in top form if the Chiefs are to secure a place in the postseason.
They currently sit outside the playoff spots with a 5-5 record ahead of this weekend’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Kelce said: “I just think the chemistry, how together we are and how much we’re willing to fight for each other, it’s not a matter of effort.
“It’s all just execution. We’re in here every single day grinding our tails off trying to get that fixed. You feel it from the coaches. They’re tightening things up a little bit so that we focus on those details so that we can play fast and play with a purpose.”
