Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL has been a key topic of conversation. During the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 59, multiple conflicting reports about his potential retirement made the rounds — however, nothing concrete came of it.
After Super Bowl 59’s humiliating blowout, the Kansas City Chiefs need to regroup, and the legendary tight end’s subpar performance plunged his already uncertain future further into doubt. However, thanks to longtime Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, we finally have a possible update on what Kelce’s future holds.
Travis Kelce’s Retirement Decision for 2025
Considered one of the most prolific postseason weapons and greatest players at his position of all time, Kelce has been a distinguishable asset for Kansas City’s dynasty. The latest update from Veach sounds like his tenure isn’t ending just yet.
Speaking to the media before the NFL Combine, Veach was candid about several topics from the future to free agency goals. However, when the conversation shifted to Kelce’s plans, he was resolute in what the next steps were.
“I’m not sure how coach [Andy Reid] answered that. How we left it at the end of the season was — he was fired up. He has one more year under contract. Still think he has that fire and desire to play. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no deadline. I think we left it as he’ll be back, and we’re excited to get him back.”
Brett Veach on Travis Kelce’s future: He still has that fire and we went into the offseason under the assumption he’ll be back in 2025 pic.twitter.com/Ptn2OQ1Uxi
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) February 25, 2025
The “deadline” that Veach is referring to comes from a previous report about the team offering the 10-time Pro Bowler an end date to make his decision. By the sounds of it, Kelce is a lock for next season.
Now, it’s about figuring out a way to maximize him. Last year was the second consecutive season in which he didn’t cross the 1,000-receiving-yards mark. Unlike the previous year, he did not have a second gear to go to in the postseason.
Instead, he had arguably the worst playoff run of his career with Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback, tallying just 175 yards through three games with a 6-58-1 stat line between the AFC title game and the Super Bowl. After the 40-22 blowout at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles, the team needs to find a way to recuperate.
And the first step in that process is going to be through Kelce.