Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season began with strong speculations about Travis Kelce‘s retirement. The Kansas City Chiefs eagerly waited for their star TE to make an official decision on his future. For days, the league was bathed in whispers and predictions. One common thread among them all? It was that Kelce would return for his 14th season. And that’s exactly what happened. On March 23, the Chiefs officially announced a 3-year, $54.735 M deal worthy of a franchise legend.
“#Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce has signed his contract, officially locking him in for 2026,” reported Ian Rapoport on X. “It’s a 3-year, $54.735M deal that can be worth up to $57.735M ($18.245M average) done by agent Mike Simon (@mikevmgsports) of @milkhoneysport. Year 1 is $12M plus 3M in incentives.”
#Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce has signed his contract, officially locking him in for 2026.
It’s a 3-year, $54.735M deal that can be worth up to $57.735M ($18.245M average) done by agent Mike Simon (@mikevmgsports) of @milkhoneysport. Year 1 is $12M plus 3M in incentives. pic.twitter.com/2iYvstuMrC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026
Amid re-signing Kelce, the Chiefs are eyeing bolstering their tight ends room. Kelce is 36, and the franchise is looking for his long-term successor. Although they are not willing to spend a top pick on a TE, head coach Andy Reid is believed to scout mid-round talent. They have already hosted visits from the likes of Oscar Delp (Georgia). Oregon Ducks’ Kenyon Sadiq is also on their radar.
