Kaylah Walton
The Kansas City Chiefs are eagerly awaiting a decision from their key tight end, Travis Kelce , as time is limited for him to clarify his future in the NFL.
Following the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, there has been increasing speculation about whether Kelce will choose to continue his career or retire.
As reported by The Athletic, the Chiefs have set a tentative deadline of March 14 for Kelce to share his intentions.
This date aligns with the commencement of the new league year and the onset of free agency. Furthermore, Over The Cap indicates that Kelce is entitled to a $12.5 million roster bonus on March 15, necessitating prompt decisions from the team regarding their roster.
Kelce, who has played his entire career with the Kansas City franchise, has not publicly disclosed whether he plans to continue or retire.
Patrick Mahomes Comments on Kelce’s Future
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the uncertainty surrounding Kelce after the Super Bowl, recognizing the significant influence Kelce has had on both the team and the league.
“He’s contributed so much to this team and the NFL, and it has been a pleasure to work with him and for fans to watch him,” Mahomes stated. “He understands that he still possesses plenty of talent. He consistently shines in critical moments—but it ultimately comes down to his willingness to endure the rigors of playing 20 games to reach the Super Bowl.
“He has already secured his place as a Hall of Famer, yet I know his passion for the game remains strong.”
Is Retirement on the Horizon?
According to NFL insider James Palmer, there is a growing belief within the Chiefs organization that Kelce may have concluded his playing career. Despite the absence of a formal announcement, sources suggest that the 2023 season could have been his swan song.
Kelce has remained vague about his plans. On a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, he mentioned he was “just kicking everything down the road,” implying he is not in a hurry to reach a conclusion.
With less than a month remaining until the Chiefs’ deadline, the pressure is on Kelce to decide whether he will return for another season or step away from football.
