Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is facing a pivotal offseason decision following a disappointing Super Bowl LIX performance.
After a crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, speculation about the 34-year-old’s future has intensified, with many wondering whether he’ll return for a 13th NFL season or call it a career.
Mahomes reveals feelings on Travis Kelce’s retirement
Kelce had reportedly been considering retirement before the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run, but he made it clear during Super Bowl week that he wasn’t planning to walk away just yet.
However, with the offseason now in full swing, a looming financial deadline could force him to make up his mind sooner rather than later.
According to Over the Cap’s contract triggers calendar, Kelce is due an $11.5 million roster bonus, plus an additional $1 million in incentives.
With a base salary of $4.5 million, the Chiefs will need to decide whether they’re willing to pay that price to keep him for another season.
The key date? March 15-the third day of the 2025 NFL league year.
If Kelce chooses to retire before then, Kansas City could avoid a hefty financial commitment, making his decision time-sensitive.
Whatever Kelce decides, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it clear he won’t pressure his longtime teammate into a return.
“I’ll let Travis make that decision on his own, man,”Mahomes said after the Super Bowl.
“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch.”
Kelce’s 2024 season wasn’t as dominant as years past.
He posted 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns-his lowest full-season yardage total since 2014.
However, he remained a crucial part of the Chiefs’ offense during their playoff push, tallying 13 catches for 175 yards and a touchdown before struggling in the Super Bowl with just four receptions for 39 yards.
Despite his statistical dip, Mahomes believes Kelce still has plenty left in the tank.
“He knows he still has a lot of football left in him,”Mahomes said.
“You can see it. He always makes plays in the biggest moments. But it’s if he wants to put in that grind because it’s a grind to go out there and play 20 games, whatever it is, and get to the Super Bowl. He’s done enough to be a gold-jacket guy and first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Mahomes also emphasized that Kelce has earned the right to take his time with his decision.
“I know he still has love for the game, and he’ll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own,” he said.
“But he knows he’ll come back here with welcome arms. We love that guy not only for the football player, but the person that he is every single day.”
With March 15 approaching, all eyes are on Kelce as he weighs his options.
Will he chase another championship with Mahomes, or will he hang up his cleats and cement his Hall of Fame legacy?
The clock is ticking.
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