With Super Bowl 59 over, the future of some key players is at the forefront of NFL media. Arguably, the most anticipated decision of said players is Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce.
Kelce has one year remaining on his $34.25 million contract and will become a free agent in 2026. The Chiefs may be without free agents Marquise Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster, and DeAndre Hopkins next season, leaving Rashee Rice as the only other steadfast pass catcher in the club.
Is Travis Kelce Calling It Quits?
NFL insider James Palmer joined Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” to discuss what he has heard from inside the Chiefs organization, and multiple members of the franchise revealed that they expect him to retire.
“My gut tells me this is it,” they told Palmer.
"My gut tells me this is IT."@JamesPalmerTV heard from inside the #Chiefs organization about Travis Kelce's future 😳@heykayadams @Chiefs | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/dJigP5IXvs
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 12, 2025
After contacting multiple members of the Chiefs, Palmer received information that points toward the end of No. 87’s career. Kelce has proven to be one of the NFL’s toughest competitors and prides himself on that motive. Palmer believes such a narrative may play into Kelce’s decision-making.
“He mentioned that one part where he is like, I don’t want to half-ass it at all,” said Palmer. “He practices as hard as anybody, and he feels like if he doesn’t practice hard and practice that way, he’s not giving everything to the team and everything to himself.”
Kelce’s Impact in Kansas City
While the rumor mill begins to spin, there is no question that if Kelce wanted to continue, he could. The future Hall-of-Fame tight end may not have played as well as he did in the past, but he remained a difference-maker. The drop-off in production could be noticed. According to PFSN’s Offense+ metric, the Chiefs earned a 78.9 (C+) grade, which ranked 12th in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target got off to a slower start in 2024-25 but inevitably turned things around as the season went on. Kelce went for three touchdowns and 823 yards on 97 receptions during the regular season. His 823 yards marked a career-low and the first time he has missed out on 900 receiving yards since 2015.
“People in the building believe he has lost a step, but they still believe he can completely play. But there’s so much on the other side as well. I think there’s just a lot on his shoulders [in terms] of what’s next,” Palmer said.
Kelce was the second oldest tight end in the NFL this season at 35 years old, behind just Marcedes Lewis (40). Once again, age may have stunted his production, but it did not come close to a halt.
How Kelce’s Decision Affects the Chiefs
If the legendary tight end ultimately decides to retire, who will replace Travis? If Kelce hangs up his cleats, the Chiefs will rely heavily on 25-year-old Noah Gray, or they will have to add a tight end this offseason.
Gray has proven to be a capable piece of the puzzle and has established strong chemistry with Mahomes over his first four NFL seasons.
Whether or not Gray has the capability to start for the contender remains to be seen. If Kansas City views him as more of a depth piece, they could look to acquire a tight end via free agency, a trade, or the 2025 NFL Draft.