The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to contend for a Super Bowl once again. And they will have a veteran member of their roster back for at least one more run. Tight end Travis Kelce elected to return for the 2026 season in hopes of winning another ring.
Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends to ever grace a football field. He remains an effective contributor, even if he isn’t the superstar he once was. The veteran can be a positive asset for Patrick Mahomes and this offense.
However, there are some doubters, as there usually are. One NFL podcaster, in particular, believes the Chiefs tight end is over the hill and that his best days are behind him.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Hit with “Washed” Claim by NFL Podcaster
Kelce has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. Before he takes the field for Week 1, though, podcaster Scott Ferrall took to social media, letting everyone know that he believes the Chiefs star is “washed.”
“Travis Kelce, I don’t believe that anymore. I think he’s starting to look washed to me,” Ferrall said. “I don’t think the Chiefs should’ve signed him again. I could care less who he’s married to, Taylor Swift or otherwise!”
Travis Kelce, I don’t believe that anymore. I think he’s starting to look washed to me. I don’t think the Chiefs should’ve signed him again. I could care less who he’s married to, Taylor Swift or otherwise!
— Scott Ferrall (@ScottFerrall) August 20, 2026
The veteran Kelce was able to play all 17 regular-season games for the Chiefs last season. They did not make the playoffs, but he did provide some value in the passing game. He averaged 11.2 yards per catch, racking up over 850 yards and catching 5 touchdowns.
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Compared to his peers, Kelce remains one of the best. He finished last season with the fifth-highest impact score of 80.6 on PFN’s TE Impact Metric. He was one of six tight ends with an impact rating of 80.0 or higher.
However, there is clear evidence that he is in decline. He ranked fourth among tight ends for receiving yards. In saying this, he was also in the middle of the pack for EPA per target and efficiency. Additionally, this was his third straight season with fewer than 1,000 receiving yards.
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Clearly, the Chiefs’ tight end believes there is unfinished business on the football field. At the age of 36, though, it’s fair to question how much he has left in the tank. He has shown that he can produce at a high level. Continuing that production as more wear and tear accumulates on his body will be the big challenge.
The Chiefs open the 2026 NFL season on September 14 against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
