Travis Kelce’s NFL future comes down to one major factor

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12 February 2026 at 17:48

The toughest part of the Kansas City Chiefs offseason isn’t that they’re staring at another roster reset – it’s that they’re doing it with a living legend whose contract clock just hit zero. Travis Kelce and the team plan to discuss his NFL future now that the Super Bowl is over, because his two-year, $34.25M deal has ended and he’s set to become a free agent.

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Chiefs Cap Situation:

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

And the timing is chef’s kiss brutal – Kansas City is reportedly more than $55M over a projected $300M cap, meaning any plan to keep Kelce starts with a calculator and ends with someone losing their job (or several someones). So the major factor here isn’t even about whether or not the Chiefs want to keep Kelce; it’s about whether it could even work logistically.

Here’s what makes this even spicier. Kelce can still play. He led the team in catches and yards this season (76 for 851), tied for the team lead in receiving TDs (5), and added another absurd flex – 12 straight seasons with 800+ receiving yards, something only Jerry Rice has also done.

What will it take?

Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

But here’s what makes it messy. He’s 36, he’s already flirted with retirement before, and he’s not the kind of veteran you can lowball without consequences. This isn’t a WR3 who nods politely and takes a pay cut. This is a franchise pillar with actual leverage: walk away and dare the front office to explain why the Porsche suddenly feels like it’s missing its steering wheel.

So what happens? Three realistic possibilities – one-year run it back deal (short, expensive, emotionally satisfying, cap-hell), team-friendly restructure (remember Kelce doesn’t need to do the team any favors), or a clean break (painful, logical, and exactly how this cold-blooded NFL business works).

The Chiefs will say the right things. Kelce will keep it vague. And then reality will be evident – the cap doesn’t care about legacy, it cares about math.