Travis Kelce told Chiefs GM after Week 18 ‘let's plan on me being here’ for 2026 season

Kelce, who turns 37 in October, signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Chiefs in March ahead of the opening of free agency.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

(Candice Ward via Getty Images)

Veach noted that knowing Kelce was in the fold was beneficial to their offseason planning.

"We knew early on that he was coming back, which was very helpful and beneficial for us because we attacked our free agency plan, we already kind of put away and allocated for Travis," Veach said. "It helped free us up to be more decisive and carry through with our plan. Again, from my standpoint, I think, yeah, there was probably some questions in November, December, but right after the last game, 24 hours later after the last game of the season, I knew 100 percent that he'd be back."

Along with Kelce, the Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, and in free agency added running backs Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado, safety Alohi Gilman, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, cornerback Kader Kohou, among other moves.

The Chiefs finished 6-11 last season and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Kelce played 17 games, but recorded his fewest receptions (76) and second-fewest receiving yards (851) since 2015. Patrick Mahomes was also lost in late-December after tearing his ACL, an injury that he could be ready to return from by Week 1.

The one-year deal won’t stop the questions for Kelce about his future beyond the 2026 season, but if he’s motivated to play again after a down year for him and the team, could we see a bounce-back year for the future Hall of Fame tight end?