Report: Chiefs hope Kelce returns for 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs would welcome Travis Kelce back in 2026 and the four-time All-Pro tight end has been in touch with the team about a potential return, reports NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Kelce has not made a firm decision about his future yet and the plan is for the two sides to reconvene after the Super Bowl to finalize a decision, Rapoport adds.

The 36-year-old shone in the final season of a two-year, $34.25-million extension, catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns. The Chiefs are currently more than $50 million over the projected cap of more than $300 million, according to Rapoport.

One factor that could sway Kelce towards playing is the return of Eric Bieniemy as the Chiefs offensive coordinator. Kelce spent the first decade of his career working with Bieniemy and recently said he loved that the coach was returning to the Chiefs.