Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs 'prepared' for tight end's retirement with 36-year-old scheduled to become a free agent next month

Kansas City Chiefs have said they are "prepared for either scenario" with Travis Kelce set to become a free agent next month, although the general manager has revealed they have had "positive" discussions with the 36-year-old.

Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season as the Chiefs' run of dominance in the AFC West ended.

Kansas, who have reached the Super Bowl five times in the past seven seasons, winning three, had a campaign to forget as they failed to reach the post-season.

The legendary tight end came closest to walking away on the back of their Super Bowl thrashing by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, but he returned for another year.

If Kelce returns for a 14th season, it'll be with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says the franchise would welcome him back.

"I think we've kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we've prepared for either scenario," Veach said at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

"Coach had mentioned on Friday (that) he's had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis' crew, we've had some good dialogue there. I'm sure we're going to see him here just like we will all the other players' agents and we'll continue that dialogue.

"Travis is the best, he's an icon and hopefully he comes back and we'll just let that process play out."

With Kelce set to marry popstar Taylor Swift after proposing last August, many have suggested the time is right for the Chiefs star to finally hang up his cleats.

"It's not your typical - hey, 27-year-old first time in free agency," Veach said.

"Travis has done everything, he's accomplished everything - he's about to get married, he's got a lot going on.

"So, I don't think there's an element of us not trying to - you need some sort of deadline (or) timeline but at the same time, it's Travis Kelce so we're just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends.

"I think we're trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward."