Travis Kelce’s NFL career could take a huge twist in 2026 after NFL insider Diana Russini teased the possibility of him quitting the Kansas City Chiefs.
The superstar tight end, soon to be married to Taylor Swift, is weighing up his future and whether he wants to continue into a 14th season in the NFL at the age of 36.
Until this point, many had believed it would be the Chiefs or nothing for Kelce – given he has played his entire career in Kansas City – but now the possibility has been raised of him taking to the field elsewhere.
Russini reports that Kelce has had ‘conversations with several teams’ during the offseason as he weighs up a big decision, with millions waiting to hear what he decides to do.
She continued that Kelce ‘appears motivated to return’ and the Chiefs ‘remain very much in the mix to re-sign the three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro’.
Her use of the phrase ‘in the mix’ will come as a surprise to many, though, who had previously believed that the Chiefs were the only team on Kelce’s agenda in the twilight years of his NFL career.
Travis Kelce is weighing up his future and could reportedly quit the Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce, who is set to marry Taylor Swift soon, is also weighing up retirement this offseason
He was drafted by Kansas City in 2013 out of Cincinnati and has played 192 games for the team, many of which alongside his best friend Patrick Mahomes.
Kelce is an unrestricted free agent heading into this offseason, as he approaches the end of his two-year, $34.25 million contract signed back in 2024.
While many are awaiting his decision with bated breath, it is set to be a busy few months away from the NFL field for the football star.
A date for his wedding with Swift has not been confirmed, but multiple media reports believe it has been set for June in Rhode Island, and will likely be the biggest celebrity wedding of the year.
Many had previously believed it would be the Chiefs or nothing for the superstar tight end
Kelce has been enjoying his offseason, recently attending TGL with his brother Jason (left)
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Away from the field, he has also been growing his business empire: hosting a popular podcast alongside his brother Jason, opening a restaurant with Mahomes, and launching a beer company – also with his brother.
In recent weeks, he has been away from Kansas City and staying with Swift in her New York City apartment, where the pair have been seen out and about enjoying several glitzy dinners.
The new NFL league year – and therefore the start of free agency – begins on March 11 at 4pm EST, and the Chiefs would ideally like to know his plans around that time as they continue preparations for the NFL Draft in April.
Kelce has previously used his body as a reason for the delay in his decision, admitting that he wanted to give himself time to recover from the 2025 season to see whether he felt well enough to go again in another brutal year.