It seems Travis Kelce is still wavering about his future.
The Athletic’s Nate Taylor and Cale Clinton recently reported the Kansas City Chiefs want to know whether the tight end will retire “around March 14.” Kansas City specified this date because Kelce’s $11.5M roster bonus activates on March 15.
In a Wednesday interview with “The Rich Eisen Show,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said she believes Kelce will decide soon and is “leaning more toward” playing in 2025.
“There is a definitely a sense that Travis is going to play more,” Russini said. “I haven’t heard anyone saying, ‘Yeah, he’s really struggling with what he wants to do.’ It’s definitely leaning more toward that. That can, of course, change … But for this Chiefs operation looking to move forward here, I think they feel pretty good that Travis has a little more left in him.”
Russini’s information conflicts with James Palmer’s recent report. After the Chiefs lost to the Philadephia Eagles 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, the Bleacher Report NFL insider said his sources indicated Kelce would retire.
Perhaps Kelce — a future Hall of Famer — is still unsure whether he will retire and keeps changing his mind.
In 16 regular-season games in 2024, the three-time Super Bowl champion finished with 97 receptions for 823 receiving yards and three touchdown catches, his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2013. Kelce turns 36 on Oct. 5, so his numbers could continue to decline if he returns in 2025.
Kelce, however, may not want to end his career with a Super Bowl loss. K.C. has a solid chance to return to the big game next season. As of Wednesday night, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LX odds at +700, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the second best.
Regardless, expect Kelce retirement rumors to keep swirling until he confirms his plans for 2025.
