Uncertainty continues to surround Chiefs‘ Travis Kelce and whether he will play in 2026. Speaking to local reporters last Friday, head coach Andy Reid confirmed that conversations have taken place between Kelce and the team. Now, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, general manager Brett Veach met with the media and outlined how discussions have unfolded so far.

“We’ve taken a different approach with Travis. We’ve kind of prepared for either scenario,” Veach said at the Combine, keeping in mind that Kelce still hasn’t reached a particular decision. “Coach had mentioned on Friday that he’s had great dialogue with Travis on our end, myself, [assistant general manager] Chris Shea, Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there.

“I’m sure we’re going to see him here, just like we will all the other players’ agents, and we’ll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best. He’s an icon. Hopefully, he comes back, and we’ll just kind of let that process play out.”

While Veach remains uncertain about the return of Kelce, the franchise will need to make decisions based on whether or not he will return. The calendar isn’t slowing down: the legal tampering period is under two weeks away, and there’s only so long the organization can operate in limbo without a concrete resolution.

“We’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward,” Veach added.

Nearly two months have passed since Kelce took the field in the season finale, and there is still no firm indication whether he plans to return or retire. The extended deliberation places added pressure on Veach and the front office, which is in the midst of overhauling the offense. They need to recalibrate key roster spots.

However, if he decides to return, he may need to take a sizable pay cut. Before restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, the franchise sat more than $50 million above the projected 2026 cap. However, even after converting $54.45 million into a signing bonus, the team remains about $11 million over the limit. According to former NFL agent and CBS Sports analyst Joel Corry, a new contract could be in the $10-$12 million range, which is well below his $17.125 million average.

After being drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft, Travis Kelce has been one of the faces of the Chiefs franchise, as he sits third behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten for the most yards for a tight end in league history, with 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns. While putting up these incredible numbers, Kelce helped lead Kansas City to three Super Bowl victories after bringing home three Lombardi trophies in 2020, 2023, and 2024.

But after turning 36 last October, Kelce saw a drop in his production after recording 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns while earning his 11th Pro Bowl selection. His age and dip in production led to widespread speculation about the 2025 season being the last one for the star tight end. But looking at Brett Veach’s comments, there’s hope among Kansas City fans for one last ride with Travis Kelce, despite the decision sparking debate among analysts.

Ex-NFL GM warns Kansas City about bringing back Travis Kelce

While excitement continues to build around what happens next with Travis Kelce, former New England Patriots assistant general manager Mike Tannenbaum has issued a clear warning for Brett Veach and the Chiefs’ front office. Tannenbaum wants Kansas City to move on from its franchise superstar and look for younger options either through the draft or via trades.

“I wouldn’t do it,” the former NFL general manager said on Get Up earlier this week. “When you’re in the front office, and you’re a head coach, you have to make the honest and sober observation that you want to pay a player for what they’re going to do, not what they’ve done. He is slowing down.

“When you look at the best tight ends in the game right now, Trey McBride is 26, Brock Bowers is 23, and Sam LaPorta is 25. There are some really good tight ends in the draft, like Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, and Michael Trigg, among others. If I was Kansas City, I’d go get the next guy.”

Kelce has been the Kansas City Chiefs’ prime receiver in five of the past seven seasons, even during Tyreek Hill’s presence. Though he may now be much nearer to the twilight of his career, he remains deeply woven into the franchise’s identity and has been central to its sustained success.

His future is uncertain, but the Chiefs are preparing for both situations. Veach’s decision will signal whether the Chiefs are committed to one last run with their legendary tight end or are ready to usher in a new era for their offense.