Travis Kelce earned patience from the Kansas City Chiefs, who are uncertain two months prior to the NFL draft if their 37-year-old tight end will be on the roster by training camp.
Kelce is weighing whether to return for this 14th season in the league and has debated retirement for the past two offseasons.
“We’ve kind of prepared for either scenario,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. “We’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”
Veach said he would be meeting with Kelce’s representatives this week and “you need some sort of timeline and deadline,” but called conversations with his camp “positive.”
Head coach Andy Reid said he routinely is in touch with Kelce. Kelce is owed a $12.5 million roster bonus next month and has a cap number of almost $20 million the Chiefs likely would adjust with any commitment to play in 2026.
He had 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, but a total of 76 receptions was Kelce’s lowest total since he had 72 in 2015. No. 2 tight end Noah Gray also is an unrestricted free agent.
“Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back,” Veach said. “We’ll just kind of let that process play out. It’s not your typical 27-year-old first-time-in-free agency.
“Travis has done everything. He’s accomplished everything. He’s about to get married, got a lot going on. We’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends.”
