The Kansas City Chiefs are awaiting the decision on whether to replace tight end Travis Kelce, but recent forecasts suggest he will re-sign with the team for his final season in 2026 at a significantly lower salary. Despite being a free agent soon, Kelce is expected to come back, prioritizing the continuation of his career over financial gain.
According to MLFootball’s prediction on February 10, Kelce is likely to ink a one-year deal worth $8 million, which would mark a substantial pay cut from his previous contract. This anticipated comeback comes after a challenging 2025 season for the Chiefs, marked by injuries to quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the team’s first losing season in over a decade.
2025: The Chiefs’ Toughest Season Since Kelce’s Arrival
Travis Kelce played under a two-year contract valued at $34.25 million, averaging just over $17 million annually before the projected drop to $8 million. The new contract would slash his earnings by more than half, despite Kelce once again earning Pro Bowl honors after recording 76 receptions, 851 yards, and five touchdowns in 17 games.
Spotrac estimates that the market value for a player of Kelce’s caliber would be $10.8 million for a one-year deal at age 37, but MLFootball believes Kelce’s return will be motivated by a desire to finish strong alongside Mahomes, rather than financial incentives. The 2025 season was Kelce’s first losing year since entering the NFL in 2013 as a third-round draft pick, and the Chiefs also missed the playoffs for only the second time during his tenure.
This marked the end of an impressive seven-year run of AFC Championship appearances and three consecutive Super Bowl trips, which had solidified both Kelce and the Chiefs as dominant forces in the league.
Chiefs Confront Significant Salary Cap Challenges Ahead of 2026
Kansas City faces a daunting salary cap gap nearing $55 million for the upcoming season. Kelce’s willingness to accept a lower contract would provide essential salary relief for a team in financial strain, especially at a key position like tight end.
Currently, the highest-paid tight end is San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle, earning $19.1 million per season. Last year, Kelce ranked third among tight end salaries but would fall to 21st on the list with an $8 million average if he accepts the proposed deal. This would place him just above Minnesota Vikings’ Josh Oliver, a player primarily valued for blocking.
The Chiefs could free up approximately $20 million by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor and gain an additional $66.5 million through contract restructures with Patrick Mahomes and star defensive lineman Chris Jones. However, such restructurings also push financial obligations into future seasons, creating long-term cap considerations.
Travis Kelce’s Remarks Signal Potential Comeback with Chiefs Leadership
Although Kelce has not officially confirmed whether he will continue playing, optimism remains high among Chiefs management that he will re-sign. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport noted on Super Bowl Sunday that fans interpret Kelce’s recent praise of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as a strong hint toward his return.
Kelce has held back from definitively saying he’ll return, but on his New Heights podcast he recently celebrated the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in a way that made fans believe he’ll be playing,
Rapoport explained.
Kelce shared,
I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy.
Potential Impact of Kelce’s Return on Chiefs’ Future Prospects
If Travis Kelce does sign on for the 2026 season at a discounted rate, the Chiefs would gain not only a highly skilled veteran tight end but also valuable leadership and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This could help the team rebound from their subpar 2025 performance as they face salary cap pressures and roster adjustments.
Kelce’s anticipated return would offer a crucial boost to the Chiefs as they aim to reestablish themselves at the top of the AFC after missing the playoffs and ending a remarkable streak of postseason success. With veteran players like Chris Jones and new cap room strategies, Kansas City could leverage Kelce’s presence in their pursuit of further championships.
🚨PROJECTION: Legendary #Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce is projected to sign a new 1-YEAR, $8 MILLION CONTRACT.
Kelce is an impending free agent but is expected to return and not retire.
Travis is a 3x Super Bowl Champion and 10x Pro Bowler.
Would be a pay cut for his final run. pic.twitter.com/bgfBcOX6Oe
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 10, 2026
