Travis Kelce’s Future with the Chiefs: A Closer Look
As the NFL offseason begins to unfold, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves at a pivotal moment regarding the future of their star tight end, Travis Kelce. On Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach shared some insights that have fans buzzing with anticipation. According to Veach, Kelce is expected to play in 2025, following a recent conversation with the player himself.
Veach, speaking at the scouting combine, expressed optimism about Kelce’s return. “He was fired up about being here,” Veach stated. “He has one more year under contract. We left it at he’d be back and we’re excited to have him back. As far as I’m concerned, there is no deadline.”
It’s clear that the Chiefs’ management is keen on having Kelce back in the fold, but the decision ultimately rests with the player. Head coach Andy Reid also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the importance of giving Kelce some space to make his decision. “We did have a chance to talk before they left,” Reid said. “That’s up to Travis. At this point it’s, ‘Get out of town.’ They’ve played a lot of football here. So, step back, then we’ll talk.”
One of the key factors in this decision is the financial aspect. Kelce has an $11.5 million roster bonus due on March 15, which would be triggered in the final year of his contract. However, Veach reiterated that “there is no deadline” for Kelce to officially make his decision, suggesting that the team is willing to be patient.
Kelce, who is 35 years old, has been contemplating his future following the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. In that game, Kelce had four catches for 39 yards, a performance that left him pondering his next steps.
On his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce addressed the speculation surrounding his future. “I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road,” he said. “I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions.”
Kelce’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. A four-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl choice through 12 NFL seasons, he would carry a $19.8 million cap hit in 2025. Despite his age, Kelce remains a vital part of the Chiefs’ offensive strategy.
However, the 2024 regular season saw a dip in his production, with Kelce recording 97 receptions for 823 yards, his lowest yardage total since 2014. This decline followed an impressive streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2016 to 2022.
- Travis Kelce’s career highlights:
- Four-time first-team All-Pro
- 10-time Pro Bowl selection
- Seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (2016-2022)
As the Chiefs and their fans await Kelce’s decision, the anticipation is palpable. Will he return for another season, or will he choose to step away from the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Travis Kelce’s impact on the Chiefs and the NFL as a whole is undeniable.
For now, the Chiefs are content to give Kelce the time he needs to make his decision. With no official deadline in place, the ball is firmly in Kelce’s court. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Kansas City to see how this story unfolds.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
