Travis Kelce edging closer to retirement decision as expensive replacements hinder Chiefs search

One of the greatest tight ends of all time could be closing in on a decision.

It has been another ‘will he, won’t he’ for Travis Kelce, who has not made an official decision on his NFL future.

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Kelce has been enjoying a full offseason after the Kansas City Chiefs failed to make the playoffs for the first time in over 10-years.

But as the beginning of a new league year draws ever closer, a decision is expected to be made sooner rather than later.

Former NFL star Will Compton, who is a long-time friend of Kelce, has given his thoughts on the decision the NFL world awaits.

What is the latest on Travis Kelce’s retirement decision?

While on the surface, it appeared he wasn’t sharing any inside information, his latest update will make Chiefs fans happy.

“I bet Travis Kelce runs it back with the Chiefs for one more year,” Compton tweeted on Friday.

“Everything waiting for him will still be there. He isn’t ending his career 6-11, 3rd in the division, the laughing stock of the NFL, and seeing the dynasty he helped build continue to burn. He can’t go out like that.”

While the Chiefs are happy to let Kelce take as much time as he needs to make his decision, they reportedly have a request for him if he decides to run it back.

“Do the Kansas City Chiefs need a tight end? The future of Travis Kelce is still very much up in the air,” NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said. 

“Obviously, there’s plenty of discussion. General manager Brett Veach talking to reporters saying they really wanted to allow Travis Kelce to go through his process to make absolutely sure he’s going to return for the 2026 season. As of right now, that has not been fully determined.”

If Kelce opts to return for the 2026 season, it is likely to be at a reduced cost.

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Kansas City have already restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract, and have traded away Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Chiefs will likely also need to clear additional cap space to sign a free-agent tight end, if he opts to retire.

The top targets on the market will be Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles, both of whom will be seeking over $15 million per season.

The 2026 NFL Draft is always an option, but it will be some big shoes to fill for a rookie.

Kelce reveals what he will miss most after retiring

While he weighs the possibility of playing a 14th NFL season, Kelce opened up on what he would miss most when he calls it a career.

“Man, I think it’s just those moments in the big games,” Kelce said on the New Heights podcast. 

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“The feeling of having to rise to the occasion, be there for, you know, 70,000, that is all counting on you out there, outside of just the guys that you go to war with, the guys go to battle with, man. 

“Those moments of rising to the occasion in the heat of the battle, you know, in the playoffs and all the big games out there, man, that’s a feeling that I know I’ll never get again. Those are the things that you cherish the most.”

Kelce has also been tipped to pivot to a career in broadcasting, where he could earn $15 million per-year as a studio presence.

There are likely to be a number of networks interested in his services.

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There is no doubt that his on-field success will translate into a career away from football.

But the question is, is he satisfied with the Chiefs’ poor 2025 to be able to willingly call it a career? Only time will tell.

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