Chiefs to forget Travis Kelce and ‘go and get the next guy’ amid fears of tight end’s decline

Speculation around Travis Kelce’s NFL future is continuing to grow.

The football world yet again awaits a decision on whether one of the greatest tight ends ever will be returning to the league in 2026.

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The Chiefs finished with an underwhelming 6-11 record in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

A nightmare went from bad to worse when they lost quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending injury in Week 15.

The Chiefs are adding depth to their offense just in case Mahomes isn’t ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, giving returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy plenty to think about.

While Kelce is yet to make his official decision, he has spoken to Bieniemy, and guard Trey Smith might have accidentally revealed his decision during Super Bowl week.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported yesterday that the Chiefs and Kelce have been in contract discussions, and things are trending towards a return.

But Mike Tannenbaum believes the Chiefs should stop clinging onto the past.

Chiefs told to forget about Kelce and select tight-end in 2026 NFL draft

When asked on ESPN’s Get Up, Tannenbaum had a take on what Kansas City should do with the tight end, which left Jason McCourtney shocked.

“I wouldn’t do it.” He said.

“When your in the front office, or a head coach, you need to make an honest and sober observation.

“You want to pay a player for what they are going to do, not what they have done.

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“He is slowing down… he went from 97 to 76 catches and obviously Mahomes was hurt.

“But, when you look at the best tight-ends in the game right now, Trey McBride is 27, Brock Bowers is 25, Sam LaPorta is 25, and there are some really good tight ends in the draft.

“If I am Kansas, go and get the next guy, honour Travis Kelce for what he has done but go and get the next tight end, and take care of these everneeds, tackle, running-back and receiver.”

Kelce may have to take pay cut in order to represent Chiefs in 2026

While Kelce had a down-year in 2025, he still led the team in receptions and yards.

For most tight ends, that production would signal a career year. For Kelce, it’s prompted questions about his decline.

Facing a rebuild, Kansas City restructured Mahomes’ contract, to allow the front office a little breathing room in terms of cap space.

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The Chiefs were more than $50 million over the cap, but Mahomes flexibility has freed up $43 million.

The expectation is that it will be a one-year deal for Kelce, so there will be little room for maneuver, and he may have to play with a drop in salary for one last dance with Mahomes.

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