Travis Kelce Staying with Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will continue his career for a 14th season in 2026, putting retirement rumors to rest. While Kelce may talk to other teams, he's expected to stay with Kansas City. The Cardinals also reworked James Conner's contract to keep him in Arizona for 2026.
In April 2024, Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million deal that made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. The contract includes $17 million in guaranteed money for the 2024 season. The decision to return follows a productive 2025 season where Kelce recorded 851 receiving yards on 76 catches and scored 5 touchdowns. That performance earned him his eleventh career Pro Bowl selection. At 36 years old, Kelce continues to play at a high level in a demanding position. For comparison, Marcedes Lewis recently set the record as the oldest tight end to play in an NFL game at 41. Kelce's return is a key component in the Chiefs' quest for continued dominance. The team has won four Super Bowls, with three of those victories occurring in the five seasons between 2020 and 2024. His enduring partnership with quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a cornerstone of their recent success. Kelce also holds the franchise record for the most consecutive games with a reception, a streak that has reached 174 games.
