The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for what could be a defining offseason. At the fork in the road, they could try to run it back, break it apart, or find a combination to do both. If that’s the plan, bringing back Travis Kelce for one final season should be the team’s first move.
There’s little doubt that future Hall of Fame Tight End Travis Kelce has plenty of NFL games left. If you read the tea leaves on X, it’s very clear that the soon-to-be-married man will play one more season in front of his adoring fans and his wife, Taylor Swift.
The decision to return isn’t all that difficult for Kelce to make. He doesn’t need the money, and he won’t break the Chiefs’ salary cap either. He knows his place on this team, and after a miserable 6-11 season, it’s doubtful he’d end his tenure with the Chiefs in this manner.
From all indications, Kelce is going to take a bit more time, but with free agency one month away, I’m sure his agent has spoken to Chiefs GM Brett Veach about a one- or two-year friendly deal that allows Kelce to earn some bucks to pay for his upcoming nuptials.
In all seriousness, Kelce is still the best pass-catcher on the Chiefs. The jury is still out on the receiving core, but they finally have a big-boy receivers coach in Chad O’Shea. That move alone should help Kelce find more openings in the offense and create more balance between tight end and receiver.
If the Chiefs can reestablish a running game, the offense should be better than in 2025 and 2024.
Kelce has always been the focal point for Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but that has to shift this season. Yes, 2026 should be Kelce’s last, but if the Chiefs are going to regain their form as conference champions, balance, not reliance, is the key to their resurgence to the top of the heap.
That means that with Kelce back in the fold, his role has to change as well. Since Head Coach Andy Reid has fed the ball to Kelce, he’s used his receivers as decoys. This season, that has to change, with Kelce the hunted and the receivers the real playmakers.
Kelce makes everyone better on the field, and this slight shift in offensive philosophy can accelerate the growth plate for Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice (if he’s on the team), Jalen Royals, and hopefully Tyquan Thornton.
The Chiefs are fortunate to have Kelce, a master route runner. He draws defenders, has an amazing flair for finding open space in zone coverage, and can still get separation at the line of scrimmage.
Yes, he’s an older veteran now who has lost some speed, but his cunning route-running creates opportunities for Mahomes to spread the ball.
Now, assuming Mahomes is ready for September football, Kelce’s return will be a good safety blanket for the star quarterback, giving him a security blanket on the field. Recovering from knee surgery is never easy, but knowing Kelce is waiting for his return should ease the transition back for Mahomes to be productive again.
Kelce is a unique person and a football player. He’s carried this team to Super Bowl heights, and if he’s willing to sacrifice his body for one more grueling NFL season, then he should be allowed to come back and go out in the only style he knows, leaving it all on the field.
