Chiefs' Reid Offers Positive Update on Kelce Talks, Mahomes Rehab Progress

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Chiefs' Reid Offers Positive Update on Kelce Talks, Mahomes Rehab Progress

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid radiated optimism on Friday when discussing the status of veteran tight end Travis Kelce for the upcoming season. Speaking at a news conference ahead of the NFL combine, Reid's cheerful demeanor suggested that negotiations with Kelce are progressing positively, hinting at a potential return for the 13-year veteran rather than retirement.

"There is communication," Reid stated regarding his talks 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." This positive sentiment comes after Kelce expressed uncertainty about his future six weeks prior, immediately following the Chiefs' season-ending loss. At that time, Kelce vowed to make a decision regarding his playing future by early March, before the commencement of NFL free agency.

Kelce has made several public appearances in the lead-up to Super Bowl LVIII, and multiple sources within the Chiefs organization anticipate his return. Such a return would allow him to continue his impactful partnership with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a relationship often described as one of the strongest on the team. Reid acknowledged the personal nature of Kelce's decision, adding, "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."

Even at 36 years old, Kelce demonstrated his enduring value to the Chiefs' offense in the past season. He led the team in 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 and a 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 salary structure or a reduced compensation for the potential 2026 campaign.

Should Kelce re-sign, he would also be reunited with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whom the Chiefs recently welcomed back to the same role he held from 2018 to 2022. Kelce's most productive years have historically coincided with his time playing under both Reid and Bieniemy. The tight end has publicly praised Bieniemy's disciplined coaching style, which has significantly influenced his development as a player. "It's great," Kelce remarked on his podcast 'New Heights,' 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."

In parallel to Kelce's contract situation, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been diligently working through his rehabilitation process. Mahomes underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee over the past two months. According to Coach Reid, Mahomes has been highly dedicated to his recovery program under the guidance of athletic trainer Julie Frymyer and is showing promising progress. "He's around here all the time," Reid commented on Mahomes' commitment. "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 the recovery, emphasizing the daily mental and physical fortitude required. "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," Reid concluded.

Ekhbary News Agency