Travis Kelce has been a crucial part of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense for more than a decade now. But, if he is going to stay on the team, Kelce has to comply with the newer demands of head coach Andy Reid for a successful continuation of cooperation with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After 35 years of age, Kelce has just come out of what many would classify as the worst season in his career. The player had recorded 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns, the lowest amount of yardage since 2014. Because of this, he has critics questioning whether he has gone past his prime.
Kelce has probably slipped production-wise this season, but he was able to set two records during the 2023 season as well. He became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 12,000 career receiving yards, then he surpassed Tony Gonzalez as the all-time touchdown leader for Kansas City. All of these prove that Kelce still has something left in store, no matter how the role changes.
Super Bowl Struggles Raise Questions About Kelce's Future
A greater impetus to the speculation regarding Kelce's future came with the devastating 40-22 defeat the Chiefs suffered at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. His performance in the game—just four catches for 39 yards—underscored Kansas City's offensive woes and the need for a change. According to reports, Andy Reid plans to change Kelce's role in the organization well ahead of time.
Veteran Leadership Shift
According to Nate Taylor of The Fan 96.5, the Chiefs want Kelce to return for the final year of his contract, but under a reduced role. Instead of being the focal point of the offense, Kelce would transition into a situational playmaker and mentor, helping to develop the next generation of tight ends.
It would mean fewer balls from Mahomes and no longer the biggest offensive weapon. If that new opportunity exists for Kelce, it gives the club a chance to transition into a younger tight end course without underwriting the great loss of stability.
Building for the Future
The Chiefs have clearly begun their preparations toward life after Kelce. Recently, the organization brought in 25-year-old Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys to smuggle his intentions and build for the future. Alongside Noah Gray and Anthony Firkser, Hendershot may help fill the void if Kelce calls it a career.
He has until March 14, 2025, to make the call—the same deadline as his $11.5 million roster bonus. If he remains, he will continue his role as a veteran supporter the team can lean on under Reid. If he retires, then, it would officially signal the beginning of a new chapter for the Chiefs at tight end.
What's ahead?
There is little doubt that a legacy of sorts is being developed with Travis Kelce within the walls of the Kansas City Chiefs organization. But the face of football is moving on, and with it, so too will the role of Kelce evolve within the organization. Accepting this new chapter or choosing to walk away, either way, the legacy Kelce has with this franchise and the NFL will remain significantly influential. This coming month is going to prove whether the veteran tight end is ready to alter course or choose to walk away from the game on his own terms.