After a crushing loss in Super Bowl LIX and missing the playoffs for the first time with Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs face a critical offseason, intensified by Mahomes‘ torn ACL and LCL, and uncertainty surrounding Travis Kelce.
Kelce‘s presence could stabilize the Chiefs‘ offense, giving veteran leadership while Mahomes recovers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed the team is already discussing contract extensions, suggesting a potential return is on the horizon.
“My understanding is that they’ve already been in contract talks,” Pelissero told Rich Eisen. “It seems like this is trending toward Travis coming back and playing for Kansas City, but nothing is done until it’s done.
“Obviously, Travis has a lot going on in his life outside of football and he has a lot of decisions to make. He may not have the howitzer anymore in terms of the top end speed that he did back in the day, but he’s still a functional NFL tight end.”
Mahomes’ recovery timeline is lengthy. Pelissero explained, “He’s going to miss a substantial chunk of time, probably the entire off season, maybe into training camp,” meaning Kelce‘s leadership will be vital during his extended absence.
With potential gaps at wide receiver due to Rashee Rice’s legal issues, Kelce could serve as a cornerstone for continuity, mentoring younger players and helping maintain offensive efficiency while the team navigates injuries and uncertainty.
Kelce also faces personal considerations, balancing his football career with life as Taylor Swift’s husband. Pelissero’s report, combined with Kelce‘s competitive drive, indicates he is likely to return, though the decision isn’t finalized.
Could Chiefs trade for a new quarterback?
Mahomes‘ injury has pushed Kansas City to consider alternative quarterback options as CBS Sports analyst John Breech suggested Derek Carr as a potential fit if he returns from retirement – despite the fact that Carr retired on injury grounds ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
However, his addition could be key in helping protect Mahomes while he rehabs, before he becomes a back-up once the three-time Super Bowl champion is ready to return to full-time action at the Arrowhead.
“As for the Chiefs,” Breech said, “Patrick Mahomes is also coming back from a major injury. The two-time MVP tore his ACL in mid-December, and right now, it’s not clear if he’ll be able to play in Week 1.
“If the Chiefs added Carr, then Mahomes could take his time in rehab.”
Since Chad Henne retired in 2022, Kansas City has relied on short-term backups like Blaine Gabbert, Carson Wentz, and Gardner Minshew for one-year stints.
Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener remain on the roster but lack significant starting experience. Should Mahomes miss time, the team will need a capable quarterback to maintain the offense’s effectiveness, not merely manage games.
Before the injury, Mahomes completed 62.7% of his passes for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Kansas City’s offense struggled once he was sidelined, finishing 17th in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric for the season.
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