Travis Kelce’s future in the NFL remains uncertain until after the current season wraps up.
Speaking with reporters, the 36-year-old shared that he intends to decide on returning to the Chiefs by early March, just ahead of free agency.
“Whether I come back or not, or if the team wants me back, I want to give the Chiefs a solid chance,” Kelce expressed. “I’d prefer to make this decision before free agency opens, so they can adjust their draft picks and fill the roster effectively.”
However, Kelce emphasized he wouldn’t focus on his future until the season concludes. “All of that will happen at the end of the season,” he stated. “I won’t even think about it until then.”
In what’s now his 13th NFL season, Kelce has shown he’s still one of the league’s premier tight ends. He’s on track for 1,000 receiving yards, leading the Chiefs in receptions (50), touchdowns (4), and yards (631).
Kelce attributes some of his success to the overall offense around him. “I think what you’re seeing is that I’m a product of my current environment,” he explained. “It really hinges on how the offensive line performs, the chemistry with the teammates, and, of course, my rapport with [Patrick Mahomes] that I’ve built over the years.”
After a couple of less impressive seasons, the 10-time Pro Bowler honed in on enhancing his speed and agility during the offseason, utilizing techniques from earlier in his career. Kansas City’s head coach, Andy Reid, remarked on Kelce’s impressive athletic improvement this year.
“He’s done an exceptional job,” Reid noted. “He put in a tremendous amount of effort during the offseason to get back into peak shape. As you age, you naturally have to push yourself a little more. And he’s certainly doing that, which is clearly paying off.”
Currently, the Chiefs are sitting outside of playoff contention with a 5-5 record, which could lead to their first missed postseason since 2014. They are set to face the 8-2 Colts this Sunday.
