Momentum seems to be growing for Travis Kelce returning to the Chiefs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kelce has discussed a potential return and maintains contact with the Chiefs.
- Sources say Kansas City wants Kelce back and plans to finalize terms after Super Bowl.
- Close observers and recent coverage suggest a 14th NFL season for Kelce is plausible.
The Chiefs may not be playing in Super Bowl LX, but tight end Travis Kelce has had a fun week in northern California.
Kelce went from the NFL Honors program on Thursday to a “Tight Ends & Friends” party. On Saturday night, he joined The Chainsmokers at another Super Bowl party.
These are the kinds of things Kelce couldn’t do the past few years because the Chiefs were, you know, usually playing in the Super Bowl.
So what’s next for Kelce? That’s one of the biggest questions surrounding the Chiefs.
Kelce’s contract expired and there has been rampant speculation about his future plans, whether that’s retirement from football or a return to the Chiefs.
There seems to be a stronger chance the latter will take place.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Kelce “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.”
In recent days, there have been positive signs that Kelce could return to the Chiefs.
For starters, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini included a blurb about Kelce in her latest notebook on Saturday.
“Kelce was seen bouncing around San Francisco parties and events, even as the soon-to-be-married man’s next move remains uncertain,” Russini wrote. “While retirement has been discussed, many close to him believe he could return for at least one more season. A final decision has yet to be made, but a 14th season is looking more real than ever.”
The other indication about Kelce’s future came on the latest episode of Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast. Her guest? Kelce.
They talked about the Chiefs missing the playoffs after making five Super Bowl appearances in six seasons.
“Being able to take that step back this year is just kind of like, I don’t know, I’m still proud of the work we’ve done,” Travis Kelce said. “And who knows if we can keep that thing going.”
“I think it’s a nice break, to run in back next year,” Kylie Kelce said.
Travis’ response was simply an approving “oooh.”
This story was originally published February 8, 2026 at 8:06 AM.
