Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL has become a major talking point as the Kansas City Chiefs offseason has begun. They now await his decision. The star tight end, a key piece in the KC’s championship success, is seriously considering retirement after a difficult 2024 season. His performance in Super Bowl LIX, where the Chiefs suffered a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, added further speculation about whether he will return for another year.
Kelce has stated that he needs time to determine his future, but the Chiefs are not giving him unlimited time to decide. According to a report from The Athletic, Kansas City has set a March 14 deadline for Kelce to announce his plans. This deadline is no surprise given it is just a few days after the new league year and free agency begins.
Chiefs Set a Deadline For Kelce’s Decision
The Kansas City Chiefs have given Kelce until mid-March to decide if he will return for the 2025-26 season. This deadline lines up with key dates on the NFL calendar, such as free agency which begins on March 10, and a $11.5 million roster bonus for Kelce on March 15.
If Kelce retires, then the Chiefs will add another priority to their offseason checklist. They would have to address their tight end room, either in free agency or in the draft. While Noah Gray signed a three-year extension last season, he has yet to prove he can fully replace Kelce’s production. The Chiefs also did draft a tight end in last year’s draft Jared Wiley, but he only played in seven games this past year. He suffered a non-contact injury in practice tearing his ACL.
Wiley finished the season with one catch for seven yards, while Gray finished the season with 40 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns which was third-best for the Chiefs receiving threats. General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid understand the impact of Kelce’s decision. His chemistry with Mahomes and leadership in the locker room are irreplaceable. However, the team also recognizes the need to begin preparing for the possibility of not having Kelce this upcoming season. By setting a firm deadline, the Chiefs ensure they have enough time to plan accordingly, regardless of Kelce’s choice.
Kelce’s Career and the Toll Of Success
Kelce, now 35, and turning 36 later this year, has built one of the most accomplished careers for a tight end in NFL history. His accomplishments are many, but to name a few, he ranks third all-time in receptions and receiving yards among tight ends. The vintage Mahomes-Kelce connection has resulted in 17 postseason touchdowns, which is the most by a duo in NFL history. This run by Kelce has been one of dominance that spanned over a decade.
However, years of deep playoff runs have taken a toll on Kelce’s body. Since Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, Kelce has played in 21 postseason games, essentially adding an extra season’s worth of football. The wear and tear have become increasingly difficult to manage, and Kelce has openly discussed the challenges of maintaining his level of play.
Kelce even admitted as much on the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast the physical and mental grind of another Super Bowl run had been exhausting. He was open about his struggles including the long recovery process that has made him question whether he wants to continue playing. Despite leading the team in targets in 2024, his production in the regular and postseason saw a significant dip. He posted career lows in receiving yards and touchdowns.
The Impact On the Offseason
Kelce’s decision will shape how the Chiefs approach their roster construction in 2025. Especially after the team’s performance in the Super Bowl, it’s to be expected this offense will look very different going into next season. This means if Kelce retires, the team will need to determine whether Gray is ready to step into a larger role or if they need to pursue a veteran tight end or draft a replacement. Kansas City’s offense has relied heavily on Kelce’s ability to create mismatches for so long, replacing his impact will not be easy.
From a financial perspective, the Chiefs must consider their salary cap situation. Kelce’s contract includes a significant cap hit, and his departure would free up space for other moves. As things currently stand Kansas City has limited cap flexibility. Knowing Kelce’s decision will allow Veach and the coaching staff to move ahead and make moves that would give them more cap space to work with. One of these moves if Kelce does end up returning would likely be restructuring his deal to ensure they can make necessary additions elsewhere.
Aside from the on-the-field implications if Kelce does indeed decide to call it a career, the Chiefs would lose one of their longest-tenured leaders and presence in the locker room would be tough to replace. He has been not only a vocal leader for this team but also a stabilizing force for the team during its championship runs. If this is the end of his career, the Chiefs would still have Mahomes and Chris Jones among other leaders remaining with the team, but they would need to find new voices to step up and fill that void.
Final Thoughts
With one month until the March deadline for Kelce, his future remains uncertain. Whether he decides to return or retire, his legacy as one of the best tight ends in NFL history has been cemented. His impact as a Kansas City Chief will never be forgotten. Now with this time, Kelce can weigh his options while also allowing Kansas City to move forward with its offseason plans.
