SAN FRANCISCO -- A year ago, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was set to play in the Super Bowl, knowing he would spend the next few weeks pondering his future. Of course, he eventually returned.
Kelce finds himself in a similar position now, though his future should come into focus soon.
The perennial Pro Bowler, who had a resurgent 2025 to reassert his place among the game's best despite being 36 years old, has not made a firm decision on his future. However, he has been in touch with his team about a potential return and Kansas City wants him back, sources say.
The plan is to reconvene after the Super Bowl to finalize a plan that works for both parties.
Kelce played out the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million extension last season, so he would need a new deal. The issue now is that Kansas City is significantly over the cap, currently $50 million-plus over the projected cap of more than $300 million. While it'll be no issue for K.C. to get under the cap, these gymnastics often take time into March.
Kelce has held back from definitively saying he'll return, but on his New Heights podcast he recently celebrated the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy in a way that made fans believe he'll be playing.
"I can't wait to see him back in the building, man," Kelce said. "He's one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.
Expect clarity sooner, rather than later, on Kelce.
