Chiefs' Reid Offers Optimistic Update on Travis Kelce's Contract Talks

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Andy Reid Confident as Travis Kelce Contract Talks Progress

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid radiated positivity when discussing the future of his star tight end, Travis Kelce, on Friday. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the NFL combine, Reid's characteristic smile was evident as he addressed Kelce's status for the upcoming season. The coach's optimistic tone and the description of ongoing talks strongly suggest that the 13-year veteran may be leaning towards extending his career with the Chiefs for at least one more year, rather than retiring.

"There is communication," Reid confirmed regarding the discussions with Kelce. "That's the main thing. I've said this before: As long as there's communication, I'm good. That means people want to move forward. I think that's where Travis is."

Six weeks prior, following the Chiefs' season-ending loss, Kelce himself expressed uncertainty about his future. However, he committed to making a decision regarding the 2026 season by early March, before the commencement of NFL free agency. This timeline provides a clear window for resolution.

Kelce has made several notable public appearances in the lead-up to Super Bowl LVIII. Furthermore, multiple sources within the Chiefs organization have indicated their expectation of his return. Such a return would facilitate another season of playing alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with whom Kelce shares a close friendship.

Reid emphasized his respect for Kelce's process: "I'm not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here. He's been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward. But we're proceeding with that." This approach highlights the team's understanding of the veteran's situation.

Even at 36 years old, Kelce delivered a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2025. He led the Chiefs in crucial offensive categories, including targets (108), receptions (76), receiving yards (851), touchdowns (5), and first downs gained via reception (45). His contract last season included a base salary of $4.5 million, supplemented by a substantial roster bonus of $12.5 million. Following the regular-season finale loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Kelce remained non-committal about whether he would accept a similar contract structure or a reduced salary for the 2026 campaign.

Should Kelce decide to re-sign, he would also be reunited with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Chiefs rehired Bieniemy last month to reprise his role, which he held from 2018 to 2022. Kelce experienced some of his most productive years under the combined leadership of Reid and Bieniemy. The tight end has publicly expressed his admiration for Bieniemy's disciplined coaching philosophy.

"It's great," Kelce commented on Bieniemy's return during an episode of his popular "New Heights" podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce. "I can't wait to see him back in the building. He's one of my favorite coaches of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player." This sentiment underscores the positive player-coach relationship.

Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been diligently focused on his rehabilitation following surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Over the past two months, Mahomes has worked closely with athletic trainer Julie Frymyer. Reid reported that Mahomes is showing significant progress in his recovery.

"He's around here all the time," Reid stated about Mahomes' dedication. "He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He's in there cranking away and making progress every day. It's great to see. Julie grinds on him and makes sure he stays on task and challenges him. He keeps showing up. That's about half the battle on these things when you have these injuries."

Reid acknowledged the arduous nature of recovery: "It's not going to be a pleasant thing. Every day, you've got to fight through it and you've got to attack the challenge of the workout and rehab. He's doing a great job with that." Mahomes' commitment to his recovery is a crucial element for the Chiefs' future success.

Ekhbary News Agency