Andy Reid Opens Up About Travis Kelce Considering Retirement This Offseason
This offseason, after the Kansas City Chiefs finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs, veteran tight end Travis Kelce briefly contemplated retirement.
However, the decision ultimately did not last long, nor did it appear to be a particularly difficult one for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, even if he took a few months to officially announce his return.
Kelce reportedly told Chiefs general manager Brett Veach after the final game of the 2025–26 season that he did not want to "go out like this," a message that signaled to many inside the organization that a return was likely inevitable, with only a new contract needing to be finalized once he reached free agency.
More news: Are the Chicago Bears Seriously Moving to Indiana?
More news: Colts Could Regret $50 Million Investment in QB Daniel Jones
He eventually signed a three-year deal worth a little over $57 million, and while he may not play out the full contract, he is fully committed to the upcoming season.
According to head coach Andy Reid, there was also never much doubt about Kelce's decision to return.
"I had a pretty good idea right after the season that he was most likely going to come back and wasn't too worried that he wasn't going to come back," Reid said. "But I like to give those guys time - when they've got 14 years in one place, you give them a little time to think it through. But he was pretty sure after the season he was going to come back."
The fact of the matter is that, despite a slight statistical decline in production over the past few seasons, Kelce remains a Pro Bowl-level tight end, and his value extends far beyond the box score.
His experience, leadership, and presence in the locker room simply can't be replicated - especially as someone who has helped anchor one of the greatest modern dynasties in NFL history.
More news: Aaron Rodgers' 2026 Steelers Contract Incentives Revealed
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 1:22 PM.