Travis Kelce could ditch Chiefs and join Shedeur Sanders for Cleveland homecoming amid cap battle
Travis Kelce hasn’t confirmed if he’ll play in 2026.
If he does, it was widely assumed that he would run it back with the Kansas City Chiefs having spent his entire career at Arrowhead Stadium.
But a surprising new destination has been doing the rounds — an Ohio homecoming with the Cleveland Browns.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says the Chiefs and Kelce will have talks over a decision this week.
The tight end is a Hall of Fame lock when he does retire but amid Kansas City’s cap struggles and a decline in production, it is far from certain that the franchise needs him back.
“Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a tight end? The future of Travis Kelce still very much up in the air,” Rapoport wrote Monday. “Obviously, there’s plenty of discussion…
“General manager Brett Veach talking to reporters saying they really wanted to allow Travis Kelce to go through is process to make absolutely sure he’s going to return for the 2026 season. As of right now, that has not been fully determined.”
Could Travis Kelce leave CHuefs?
It is hard to imagine Kelce — a third-round pick in 2023 thanks to his brother Jason vouching for him — playing in anything but a red uniform.
But the 36-year-old grew up in Cleveland Heights as a passionate Browns fan.
One of the few things that clicked on offense for the Browns last season was a tight end room of rookie Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku.
The latter walked in free agency and new head coach Todd Monken — used to deploying two tight ends as Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator — may decide to swoop if the Chiefs don’t strike a deal.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame projected a one-year deal worth $10 million for Kelce and named the Chiefs and Browns as likely landing spots.
“Kelce appeared to be slowing down considerably last year, posting 823 yards on 8.5 yards per reception with three touchdowns, all the lowest totals of his career,” he wrote. “The 36-year-old star had similar numbers in 2025, with 76 catches on 108 targets for 851 yards and five touchdowns.
“This may seem like a decline for Kelce’s lofty standards, but he’s still one of the most productive tight ends, evident by receiving another Pro Bowl berth in ’25.
“If Kelce doesn’t retire, the smart money says he and the Chiefs will work out a one-year deal, but if he’s available, he should have ample suitors.”
WFAN’s Craig Carton brought up a rumor that suggested Kelce and his billionaire fiancée Taylor Swift may fancyha bite of the Big Apple.
“The rumor is that Travis Kelce is not going to retire. He wants to come back for another year, but he does not want to go back to Kansas City,” he said. “I saw a story today that Travis Kelce wants to play for the New York Giants
“That way he and his wife can live in New York City, she can go to every game, and Travis Kelce can be in the biggest media market in America.
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“I know it’s just a rumor, but do not sleep on the Giants signing Kelce this offseason.”
For now, Kelce doesn’t seem to be in a rush and has been enjoying watching golf with his older brother.
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