Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is reportedly close to returning to the team on a one-year contract, ending speculation about his future after the 2025 season. ESPN reported the agreement on Monday as the NFL free agency negotiating window opened.

The reported deal is worth $12 million and could escalate to $15 million. It cannot be finalized until Wednesday, when official signing begins under league rules.[1]

Kelce, 36, has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Chiefs after being selected in the third round of the 2013 draft out of Cincinnati. He is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-Team All-Pro.[2][3]

Through the 2024 season, Kelce has amassed 985 receptions for 11,589 yards and 79 touchdowns in the regular season. In 2024, he recorded 93 catches for 823 yards and five scores in 15 games.[4]

The Chiefs have won three Super Bowls during Kelce's tenure: Super Bowl LIV (2020), Super Bowl LVII (2023) and Super Bowl LVIII (2024).[2][5]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted significant interest from other teams was expected given Kelce's performance, but the tight end opted to stay with the Chiefs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and pursue another title.[1]

Kelce's current contract expires after the 2025 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.[6]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital - "Travis Kelce will reportedly return to the Kansas City Chiefs..." - Accessed March 10, 2026 - https://www.foxnews.com/sports (Note: Draft article provided as basis for reports; ESPN/NFL Network attributions within)
2. Kansas City Chiefs - Travis Kelce Player Profile - N/A - https://www.chiefs.com/team/players-roster/travis-kelce/
3. NFL.com - Travis Kelce Player Page - N/A - https://www.nfl.com/players/travis-kelce/
4. Pro-Football-Reference - Travis Kelce Stats - Accessed March 10, 2026 - https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KelcTr00.htm
5. Wikipedia - Travis Kelce - Accessed March 10, 2026 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Kelce