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

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Reid Optimistic About Kelce's Future, Confirms Communication Amidst Return Speculation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid radiated positivity when discussing the status of his star tight end, Travis Kelce, for the upcoming season. In a press conference held ahead of the NFL combine, Reid confirmed that communication channels are open and flowing, a sign he believes indicates Kelce's potential leaning towards re-signing with the team rather than retiring.

"There is communication," Reid stated when asked about his discussions with the veteran tight end. "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 statement comes as a significant development, considering Kelce himself expressed uncertainty about his future just six weeks prior, at the conclusion of the Chiefs' season. However, he had pledged to make a decision regarding the 2026 campaign by early March, before the commencement of NFL free agency.

Kelce, a 13-year veteran, has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offense. His potential return is highly anticipated by the organization and its fanbase. Several members of the Chiefs' front office and coaching staff have publicly expressed their expectation that Kelce will indeed return for another year, allowing him to continue his prolific partnership with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The camaraderie and on-field chemistry between Kelce and Mahomes have been a defining characteristic of the Chiefs' recent success.

Reid, while emphasizing that he doesn't want to speak for Kelce, acknowledged the player's long and distinguished career. "I'm not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here," Reid commented. "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 suggests that the team is operating under the assumption that Kelce will be back, making strategic plans accordingly.

Even at 36 years old, Kelce's production in the 2023 season was remarkable. He led the Chiefs in targets with 108, receptions with 76, receiving yards with 851, touchdowns with five, and first downs gained with 45. His contract status remains a key point of discussion. Last season, his base salary was $4.5 million, supplemented by a substantial $12.5 million roster bonus. Following the Chiefs' regular-season finale loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Kelce was non-committal about accepting a similar contract or a reduced salary for the upcoming 2026 season.

The potential reunion of Kelce with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy also adds another layer of intrigue. Bieniemy, who rejoined the Chiefs last month in the same role he held from 2018 to 2022, has a history of fostering strong relationships with players. Kelce himself has spoken glowingly about Bieniemy's return, highlighting their past success together. "It's great," Kelce said on his "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 impact Bieniemy has had on Kelce's career.

In parallel to the Kelce situation, Coach Reid also provided an encouraging update on the recovery of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee and has been diligently working through his rehabilitation process for the past two months. Reid confirmed that Mahomes has been highly dedicated to his recovery under the guidance of athletic trainer Julie Frymyer.

"He's around here all the time," Reid said of 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 grueling nature of rehabilitation but praised Mahomes' work ethic. "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."

The positive updates from Coach Reid on both Kelce and Mahomes provide a sense of stability and optimism for the Chiefs' upcoming season. The continued presence of key offensive playmakers, coupled with Mahomes' diligent recovery, suggests the team is well-positioned to contend once again.

Ekhbary News Agency