The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports Travis Kelce “appears motivated to return” for next season.

08 March 2026

Russini says this is “based on conversations with several teams.” She also adds that the Chiefs “remain very much in the mix to re-sign” Kelce, who will be a free agent when the new league year begins this week. Kelce, 36, has been rumored to be considering a return next season over retirement, and this is yet another report that suggests he’ll likely play in 2026. While he will be free to speak with other teams, it would be surprising to see him play for anyone other than the Chiefs if he does return for another season.