The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly giving star tight end Travis Kelce a soft deadline of March 14 to decide whether he will continue his NFL career or retire, according to league insiders.
Kelce, 35, has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ dynasty, helping the team reach five Super Bowls in six seasons, winning three. Alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, Kelce has been one of the franchise’s most vital pieces, forming the most elite playoff touchdown duo in NFL history. The two share 17 postseason touchdown connections.
What else has Kelce brought to the Chiefs? Publicity, and lots of it. Dating superstar Taylor Swift attracts a whole new audience to NFL games. And merchandise sales? That too. He’s been a powerful impact for the Chiefs both on and off the field.
Travis Kelce Addresses Retirement Speculation
Retiring is no easy decision. Kelce acknowledged the difficulty of his decision on his “New Heights” podcast, where he discussed his commitment to his teammates. “I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision, and I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them,” Kelce said.
It’s clear that Kelce’s decision stems from not only his physical ability but rather the mental and emotional toll of continuing his career at 35 (he’ll turn 36 in the first half of the 2025 season). He has done well for himself so far, and his legacy is essentially made — Canton, OH.
“I think I can play. It’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility,” Kelce added. “I’m gonna take some time to figure it out.”
PFSN named Kelce to the top list of players who could be cut, primarily because his time in the league is visibly coming to an end. If Kelce is cut, the Chiefs would free up approximately $17.3 million in cap space, significantly easing their current $19.8 million cap hit. If he retires, he would essentially clear that space himself.
March 14 marks two days into NFL free agency, but more importantly, it comes one day before Kelce’s $11.5 million roster bonus is set to hit on March 15. That financial element may be why the Chiefs are looking for a decision sooner rather than later.
PFSN did name Kelce on its “cut list” in January, citing his gradual decline despite his dominant postseason performances. However, one NFL analyst believes the Chiefs are handling the situation poorly. Chad Withrow of OutKick.com took to the podcast “Outkick Hot Mic” podcast to talk about Kelce.
“The Chiefs have given Kelce a soft deadline of around March 14 to make a decision and inform the club. Why is March 14 important? Well, it’s two days into NFL free agency, but also, his $11.5 million roster bonus actually hits the next day on March 15. Now, I see a story like this, and I think: Is it really wise to push Travis Kelce into a decision or say anything like ‘deadline’ to a guy like that?”
“That’s fifth all-time in tight end receiving yards, third all-time in receiving yards, fifth all-time in touchdowns, and third all-time in receptions,” Withrow said. “He’s a surefire future Hall of Famer. He’s done so much for your organization. He’s won three Super Bowls. He’s been a Chief throughout his career. Is that how you repay him? By forcing him into a quick decision or giving him a ‘soft deadline’?”
It's decision time for Travis Kelce 🔥🎙⤵@TheChadWithrow @HuttonOutkick pic.twitter.com/Wx7hBou1WH
— OutKick Hot Mic (@Outkick360) February 16, 2025
March 14 is a little under a month away. Only time will tell if Kelce chooses to retire. The decision is clearly not easy for Kelce, common with people who really love their job. If one thing is for certain, he’s made his legacy in Kansas City.