The biggest question facing the Kansas City Chiefs over the next month is whether or not Travis Kelce is going to return for the 2025 season.
While the team wants him to decide by March 14 when a roster bonus is due, some reports suggest the decision could take longer. He's more than earned the opportunity to decide on his own terms, having already likely cemented his status as the greatest tight end to ever play the game.
That said, fans are understandably worried they've already seen his last catch in a Chiefs uniform. Based on one new report however, Kelce is already leaning in one direction as the offseason gets underway.
Travis Kelce Is ‘Leaning’ Toward Playing Another Season with the Chiefs, According to NFL Insider https://t.co/esVkbv5cNF
— People (@people) February 20, 2025
Travis Kelce Reportedly Leaning Toward Returning to Chiefs in 2025
Dianna Russini of The Athletic appeared on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Wednesday, revealing that she's hearing positive things about Kelce's retirement status.
"I can just tell you from just having a few conversations with people around the league over the last few days there’s definitely a sense that Travis is going to try to play more,” Russini said. "I haven’t heard anyone say, ‘Yeah, he’s really struggling with what he wants to do,’ it’s definitely leaning more toward that."
It would certainly be painful for Kelce to go out with such a whimper, a sentiment echoed by at least one of his teammates. He still seems to have juice left in the tank, indicated by his 117-yard and one-TD performance against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. Assuming Rashee Rice comes back healthy, he and Xavier Worthy can handle the majority of passing game work to let Kelce rest and turn back the clock when the team truly needs it.
"That can, of course, change," Russini continued. "This is going to be his decision, his decision only, but for this Chiefs’ operation looking to move forward here, I think they feel pretty good that Travis has got a little bit more left in him."
Injuries forced Kelce's heavy utilization last season and he's justifiably tired. With some time to reflect on things and some relaxation, hopefully, he'll elect to give it another go. The choice is up to him and fans will support the legendary Chief no matter what, yet no one wants him to end his career on a loss.
If Russini is right, Kansas City just might get its wish.