The same question gripping Kansas City Chiefs fans has the rest of the NFL universe in a similar holding pattern this offseason: Will superstar tight end Travis Kelce return for his 14th season in the AFC West Division? Former Chiefs great Tony Gonzalez offered the most recent update last week.
Gonzalez spoke with NFL writer DJ Siddiqi of Card Player about Kelce’s future with their shared franchise on January 29.
“I did an interview with him on Christmas, sat down with him, spent some time with him after that on a personal level, and I really believe — he said it in the interview — he’s like, ‘I really don’t know,’” Gonzalez said in the exclusive interview with Siddiqi. “I believe him.”
Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Looms Large Over Travis Kelce’s Retirement Call
GettyKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Kelce’s murky professional situation could clear up quickly as quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to rehabilitate from a torn ACL he suffered late last season. Logic dictates that if Mahomes is on track for full health and game readiness come Week 1 in September, that would improve the Chiefs’ prospects and render Kelce more open to a return.
Kansas City went 6-11 last year, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and posting a losing record for the first time since 2012. But silver linings exist in that unprecedented failure during the Mahomes-Kelce era, as the Chiefs enter the upcoming draft with the Nos. 9, 40 and 79 picks in Rounds 1-3, respectively.
The team desperately needs upgrades at running back and on the defensive line, while the offensive line and secondary face questions as well with free agency looming in March and Kansas City currently sporting the NFL’s biggest salary cap deficit of $54.6 million, even despite a league-wide cap jump heading into 2026.
If the Chiefs can hit on both their first- and second-round selections, perhaps with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 9 and a high-quality defensive tackle or edge-rusher at pick 40, the immediate future will look much brighter. Add a healthy Mahomes to the mix, and there’s no reason to believe Kansas City couldn’t make another postseason run in 2026 and be a factor.
Travis Kelce’s Retirement Timeline Depends on What Factors Are Driving Decision
GettyTaylor Swift celebrates with tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
For his part, Kelce has been consistent in his messaging about his potential retirement, saying he will discuss it with family, friends and the organization and make an official decision at the appropriate time.
He has a wedding coming up to music star Taylor Swift and is involved several lucrative off-field endeavors, including the popular “New Heights” podcast he hosts with brother Jason Kelce.
Thus, Kelce’s timeline for a decision could come quickly, perhaps even before or just after Super Bowl Sunday on February 8.
If the choice comes down to his health and/or how his body feels, or if it comes down to deciding between continuing to live a football life or move on with the NFL playing just a minimal role in his professional pursuits, an earlier decision might be more likely.
But if Kelce is taking into account Kansas City’s chances at reconstructing a competitive roster, it might make sense for him to wait on a decision until free agency begins in mid-March, or the draft occurs in late April, or even until the Chiefs get a clear picture on Mahomes’ return timeline — presumably at some point during the summer.