Chiefs reveal 1 key element in Travis Kelce retirement decision

Adam Schultz

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Chiefs reveal 1 key element in Travis Kelce retirement decision image

As the Kansas City Chiefs wrap up their 2025 season, attention turns to player retention and acquisition.

With some key personnel changes expected this offseason as Kansas City looks to have a soft reset after dominating the NFL landscape for years, the future of one player is crucial.

And that's Travis Kelce.

The tight end, who is 36, is a key watch over the coming months as he decides what his future will look like. Also, for the Chiefs, if they want to offer a new contract to the future Hall of Famer, what would the details of that look like?

For head coach Andy Reid, this isn't the time to be desperate for an answer from Travis.

“We'll get to all that, but you got a little bit of time before all that stuff really needs to take place,” Reid said. “That’s what's real right now. I know everybody wants the answer right this minute, but it's something that you got to go through.

"There are a lot of variables there, but we all love Trav. We know that Trav could still play, and I'm not questioning that part or any of it."

MORE: Chiefs fans will love Andy Reid's quote on 2026 outlook

Chiefs in no rush for Kelce decision

In theory, there isn't a rush. But decisions have to be made sooner rather than later.

If Kelce is to return, great. But if he does retire, Kansas City has to look at options to replace Travis either in free agency or the draft.

But for Reid, it is the same timeline as last year.

"I just know there's time," Reid added. "Last year, I got asked kind of the same thing, and you got a little bit of time there to figure everything out. So, does Trav. It buys everybody a little bit of time.”

It is going to be an offseason of change for the Chiefs, both on and off the field.

The dynasty has ended, and maybe Kelce's career does as well.

Reid says the team has time. But you can only wait for so long.

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Contributing Writer