Chiefs general manager hints at Travis Kelce's possible retirement

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of questions to answer after their shocking 40-22 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, but at the heart of their offseason plans is the status of future Hall-of-Fame tight end Travis Kelce.

The 35-year-old Kelce has been non-committal about his status for the 2025 season, and his departure would be a major blow to the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Though he still has his moments, Kelce has shown clear signs of regression over the past two seasons. 2024 saw him post his lowest yards (823) and touchdown (3) totals since his one-game rookie campaign in 2013, and he totaled just 39 yards in the Super Bowl. The most notable slippage in Kelce’s game is his yards-after-catch ability, which has been a staple of his entire career. The tight end registered just 8.5 yards per reception in 2024, the first time in his career he has been under 10 Y/R and just the second time he’s been under 12. 

In his comments prior to Super Bowl 59, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach hinted that this may be the end of the road for the four-time first-team All-Pro. 

“I think we’ve all seen it over the last few years,” Veach said, per The Kansas City Star’s Vahe Gregorian. “There’s a period throughout the season you’re like, ‘Ah, might be it.’”

While Kelce is certainly not the player he was during his prime, his retirement would be a massive blow for the Chiefs offense. His understanding of zones and spacing, as well as his connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is second to none, and his presence alone changes how defensive coordinators game plan for the Chiefs.

Kelce is also one of the best big-game players in National Football League history, possessing the records for both playoff and Super Bowl receptions, something that backup tight end Noah Gray simply can’t replicate. 

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