The Kansas City Chiefs will once again have one of the most important players of the Patrick Mahomes era back in the lineup. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for the 2026 season, extending his career into a 14th NFL campaign and postponing retirement for at least another year.
Kelce’s decision comes after months of uncertainty following a disappointing 2025 season for the Chiefs. Kansas City finished 6-11, the worst record of Kelce’s career and the franchise’s first losing season since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018. Injuries played a major role in the team’s struggles, most notably Mahomes suffering multiple torn knee ligaments in December that ended his season. Even with the team’s offensive issues, Kelce remained the most reliable weapon in the passing game, finishing the year with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns while leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and yards after the catch.
Although those numbers are strong for most players, they represented a slight decline from Kelce’s peak seasons earlier in his career. His 50.1 receiving yards per game marked his lowest output since his injury-shortened rookie season, and Kansas City’s offense averaged just 21.3 points per game, the lowest scoring mark of the Mahomes era. Despite that regression, Kelce still proved he can produce at a high level and remain a focal point of the offense, which ultimately helped influence his decision to return.
Kansas City is also hoping that the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can help spark a turnaround for the offense. Bieniemy previously served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2022, a stretch in which Kansas City consistently ranked among the NFL’s most explosive offenses. During that span, the Chiefs finished first in scoring twice and never ranked lower than sixth in total offense or points scored. Kelce publicly praised the hire earlier this offseason, calling Bieniemy one of his favorite coaches and someone who played a major role in his development as a player.
Kelce’s return also provides stability for a Chiefs offense that could still undergo changes this offseason. Mahomes will be working his way back from a significant knee injury, and the roster could see several additions as Kansas City attempts to reload after missing the playoffs. Even at 36 years old, Kelce remains one of the most trusted players in the organization and a key leader in the locker room as the Chiefs attempt to reestablish themselves as contenders in the AFC.
Travis Kelce’s Fantasy Football Impact
Kelce’s return immediately keeps him in the conversation as one of the most valuable tight ends in fantasy football heading into the 2026 season. While he is no longer the dominant TE1 he once was during his prime years, his workload and role in the Chiefs’ offense continue to provide a strong fantasy floor. Last season, he saw 108 targets and commanded a 19.7% target share in Kansas City’s passing attack while running 525 routes and maintaining an 83.2% route participation rate, numbers that ranked near the top among tight ends across the league.
That usage translated into 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns, along with 424 yards after the catch, which ranked among the best at the position. Kelce also remained heavily involved in key passing situations, finishing with 62 first-read targets and continuing to operate as one of Mahomes’ most trusted options over the middle of the field. His overall workload alone should keep him firmly in the top-six tight end conversation in PPR formats entering the 2026 fantasy football season.
Kelce’s presence will also impact the fantasy outlook of the rest of the Chiefs’ offense. With him commanding a large share of the passing game, wide receivers such as Xavier Worthy and any additional receivers Kansas City adds this offseason could see slightly reduced target ceilings. Rashee Rice’s value remains more dependent on his legal situation, though when he has been on the field, he has clearly been the team’s top wide receiver option.
The Chiefs are also expected to add offensive pieces this offseason, potentially bringing in another running back and wide receiver to help support Mahomes. Regardless of those additions, Kelce’s established chemistry with Mahomes and his continued high target share should keep him among the most reliable fantasy tight ends in the league as he enters the 14th season of his Hall of Fame career.
