The speculation around Travis Kelce’s NFL future has been a hot topic since the Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4.
Fans, pundits, and even pop culture enthusiasts—given Kelce’s high-profile engagement to Taylor Swift—have been eagerly waiting to find out if the star tight end will hang up his cleats or suit up for one more season.
Now, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has stepped into the conversation, revealing how he plans to encourage Kelce to return while making it clear he won’t pressure his star player.
Clark Hunt Hopes for One More Season
Speaking on Good Morning Football, Hunt expressed optimism about seeing Kelce back on the field next year.
“As an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said.
“He had another great year—maybe not at the level of four or five years ago, but he still had over 800 yards and was a major leader on the offensive side of the ball. There’s no doubt he can still play.
We’re trying to be respectful and give him the time he needs to decide, especially with his engagement and wedding coming up, but we certainly hope he’ll be back.”
Hunt’s comments make it clear: the Chiefs want Kelce, but they’re also letting him weigh his options carefully.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The 2025 season was rough for the Chiefs, ending in a humiliating Week 18 loss to the Raiders and leaving the team out of the playoffs.
Despite the team’s struggles, Kelce still put up solid numbers and avoided giving a clear signal about his retirement while in the locker room in Las Vegas.
Yet hints have emerged that he may return.
On last week’s episode of New Heights, Kelce expressed excitement about offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returning to Arrowhead Stadium—a reunion that could reignite both his own career and the team’s offense.
Bieniemy’s Return Could Tip the Scales
A source speaking to the Daily Mail suggested that Kelce is now leaning strongly toward returning.
“Travis is thrilled about Eric Bieniemy coming back as offensive coordinator.
That reunion could bring the team’s offense back to its glory days,” the source said.
“Travis was at his best under Bieniemy, and this signing is a big deal for him. He also wants to play alongside Patrick Mahomes one more time.
The decision now looks like it’s leaning toward returning. He wants to go out on his own terms, and it would take a lot to convince him otherwise. Next season could very well be the final chapter of his NFL career.”
Contract Talks and Career Numbers
If Kelce does return, he’ll need a new contract since his current deal expires at the end of the season.
His numbers during Bieniemy’s previous tenure as offensive coordinator were impressive: an average of 107.7 receptions, 1,369.4 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 75 first downs per 17 games.
However, since Bieniemy left Kansas City, Kelce’s production has dipped, with 17-game averages over the last three seasons falling to 88.7 receptions, 941.4 yards, 4.6 touchdowns, and 50.6 first downs.
Mahomes’ quarterback rating also slipped, from 106 under Bieniemy to 92 in recent seasons, illustrating how critical the coordinator’s presence has been for the team’s offensive success.
Taking Time Before Deciding
Despite all the speculation, Kelce has insisted he won’t rush any decisions.
When asked earlier this month about his offseason plans, he said he intended to take a few weeks to spend quality time with family and loved ones before committing to his football future.
All signs, however, point to Kelce preparing for one last season with the Chiefs—especially with Bieniemy back and Mahomes still leading the charge.
Fans will have to wait for the official announcement, but optimism in Kansas City is clearly running high.
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