Chiefs Reveal If They Want Travis Kelce To Return In 2026

We don't know yet if Travis Kelce wants to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 season. But it's pretty clear now how the Chiefs feel about their longtime tight end.

Kelce, 36, is a free agent this offseason. He has yet to indicate whether he wants to retire or play one more year. If he does, there will be a spot for him, Kansas City owner Clark Hunt revealed Tuesday.

Hunt: 'No doubt' Kelce can still play

During an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football this morning, Hunt made it clear the Chiefs want Kelce back and are willing to give him ample time to decide on his future.

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said, via Pro Football Talk. “He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play. We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision.

“He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage, so we want to be respectful and give him the time he needs to make a decision. But we certainly hope that he’ll be back.”

Kelce is no longer the dominant force he once was, but he managed to play in all 17 games for the Chiefs in 2025, leading the team in all three major receiving categories with 76 receptions for 851 yards with five touchdowns.

Did Kelce let his decision slip?

Following the end of the regular season, Kelce told reporters he planned to spend some time sorting everything out before announcing his intentions.

During a recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast, fans think the perennial All-Pro accidentally hinted at a possible return when addressing the Chiefs' decision to bring back Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator after several years away from the organization.

“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time,” Kelce said of Bieniemy. “I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person. I just love the guy. It’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”

That could be something, but it also may be nothing. Either way, we shouldn't have to wait too much longer for Kelce's plans, as he'll likely have to reveal them before the new league year begins in March.