Travis Kelce is making important career-related decisions. The Chiefs’ tight end sparked retirement rumors more prominently after his team bid adieu to their playoff dreams and ended the season with a disappointing 6–11 record. Although the NFL player has hinted at his future in the sport, he hasn’t formally announced anything regarding his career.
Travis Kelce might sign a one-year deal and not retire
According to a tweet by ML Football, Travis Kelce might sign a one-year deal. The football handle tweeted, “PROJECTION: Legendary Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce is projected to sign a new 1-YEAR, $8 MILLION CONTRACT. Kelce is an impending free agent but is expected to return and not retire. Travis is a 3x Super Bowl Champion and 10x Pro Bowler. It would be a pay cut for his final run.”
The NFL.com published a report stating that the Chiefs are hoping to have Kelce back on their team before the new NFL season. The plan was to reconvene after the Super Bowl and finalize a plan that works for both parties. The 2026 NFL season begins on March 12. Kelce had previously signed a two-year contract extension worth $34.25 million, which expired last season. He is currently a free agent and needs to sign a new contract with the Chiefs before March 12.
The issue is that the Chiefs are significantly over the salary cap by more than $50 million over the projected cap of $300 million. While it’s not impossible and the team can get under a manageable cap, the math may take time, possibly into March. Hence, Kelce and the Chiefs need to work out a deal that works for both sides.
Kelce has often spoken about his NFL future either on his own New Heights podcast or through brief media interviews. But no final decision has been made yet. Notably, he recently celebrated offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy’s return to the team as well. For now, fans are waiting to see whether he returns for another run or chooses a different path.
Originally written by Anwaya Mane on Reality Tea.
