The door is certainly open at the Chiefs’ facility if Travis Kelce decides to suit up for a 14th NFL season.
That’s according to team owner Clark Hunt, who believes the 36-year-old tight end still has plenty left in the tank, but remains keen on giving Kelce space to mull next steps about his future.
“He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So, there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision,” Hunt said Tuesday on “Good Morning Football,” as covered by Pro Football Talk.
“He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage, so we want to be respectful and give him the time he needs to make a decision. But we certainly hope that he’ll be back.”
Kelce, who proposed to girlfriend Taylor Swift ahead of the 2025 season, tallied 851 yards and five touchdowns this year compared to the 823 yards and three touchdowns scored in 2024.
Although Kelce saw an uptick in his production, the Chiefs declined in theirs.
The AFC powerhouse finished the regular season at 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Chiefs, winners of two of the past three Super Bowls, also lost the heartbeat of their team in quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who went down with a torn ACL in December.
Mahomes, 30, is hopeful to return for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Offseason changes are well underway in Kansas City, with the team welcoming former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back his old role as Matt Nagy’s contract ran out.
Kelce celebrated the move on last week’s installment of “New Heights,” with the soundbite stirring buzz regarding his playing future.
“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. And it’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”
Bieniemy was the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018-22. He most recently served as the Bears’ running backs coach.
