“He’s playing his tail off right now, and he’s leading us,” the tight end revealed during his press conference. These are not only words of reassurance for Andy Reid, but also for the entire Chiefs Kingdom, who are eager to quickly return to the top of the NFL.

Kelce also made it clear that he still has plenty to give his team at this stage of his career: “I still got a lot of love for this game. You know, I still think I can go out and play at a high level, and I want to go out there and prove to myself that I could play at a better level than I did last year.

“I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me is making sure that I’m accountable for the guys in this room and every single play that I’m out there.”

A dynamic duo to watch

After a complicated 2025 campaign that saw the Kansas City Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce enter the new season determined to recapture their legendary form.

As one of the most iconic quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history, the pair built a dynasty in Kansas City, securing three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) and breaking the all-time NFL postseason record for most playoff touchdown connections by a duo with 16.

Following a year marked by offensive rhythm breakdowns and injury setbacks, the historic duo is focused on resetting the standard, rebuilding their uncanny telepathic connection, and firing the Chiefs back into championship contention.

When will they take the field?

The Kansas City Chiefs will gear up for the upcoming campaign with three 2026 preseason matchups, opening at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 15, heading on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, August 22, and closing out exhibition play at Arrowhead Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, August 28.

It remains uncertain whether head coach Andy Reid will give Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce any snaps during these games, as NFL teams frequently rest marquee veterans during the preseason to minimize injury risk ahead of the regular season.

“He looked pretty good. He stayed in shape,” the head coach said, via The Athletic. “He did a lot of dancing at his wedding.” Reid knows that, even if his No. 87 drops a pass, the impact Kelce has on the younger players around him remains extremely important.

“He works so hard, and he wants to be in there,” Andy Reid also added. “For a young guy to look at that … it’s hard for them to make an excuse to take a rep off, because he’s out there going.”

The criticism surrounding Kelce has focused on questions about his physical condition and his lack of rhythm during training camp. Can one of the most talented tight ends in NFL history overcome those concerns in the short term?

Kelce wants to improve on his 2025 season

After pondering retirement following a disappointing season in which the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Travis Kelce re-signed on a one-year deal aiming to prove he still has elite football left in the tank.

Entering his 14th NFL campaign, the 36-year-old tight end is motivated to rebound from a modest 2025 stat line—where he recorded 76 receptions, 851 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns, and an 11.2 yards-per-catch average—as he seeks to bounce back alongside Patrick Mahomes and restore Kansas City to championship contention.

More options for Reid

It is clear that Andy Reid relies on Travis Kelce as the leader of his tight end room. However, if there is a potential decline in his performance, these are the other names he will have available for the season.

• Noah Gray
• Jared Wiley
• Tre Watson
• Jake Briningstool
• Mason Pline

A tough start to the season for the Chiefs

Getting back into the spotlight is a priority. To do so, the Chiefs will need to start on the right foot in what is expected to be a highly competitive season.

• Week 1, vs Denver Broncos
• Week 2, vs Indianapolis Colts
• Week 3, at Miami Dolphins
• Week 4, at Las Vegas Raiders
• Week 5, Bye Week

Ahead of the start of the regular season, they will have three preseason games: first against the Los Angeles Rams, then against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and finally against the Seattle Seahawks.

“[Swift is] a huge fan of the Knicks and really wants to be there to support them. She is going with friends,” as reported by Page Six. Whether Kelce is included in the friend group or not, that’s unclear. Perhaps, if Kelce were to join her, the source would’ve noted it. The fact there is no mention of Kelce suggests he won’t be in New York.

Most signs suggest Kelce isn’t making the trip to the Big Apple to catch Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs. First, he is currently participating in the Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp back in Missouri. Second, the Cleveland Heights native may still not be over his Cavaliers’ 4-0 defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kelce is staying loyal to both his NFL organization and the basketball team he grew up rooting for. Most likely, Swift won’t be joined by Kelce at the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” Still, there will be no shortage of celebrities in attendance. In addition to Swift, MSG regulars Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Mariska Hargitay, and many others may also be sitting courtside during Game 4.

Is Taylor Swift a Knicks fan?

Born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Swift grew up somewhat close to New York City and well within Knicks territory. Over the years, she has repped the orange and blue countless times and has attended games at Madison Square Garden.

Most notably, Swift and Kelce sat courtside at Rocket Arena during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, when the soon-to-be-married couple’s childhood teams—the Knicks and Cavaliers, respectively—met. Ultimately, Swift had the last laugh as New York swept Cleveland en route to the organization’s first Finals appearance since 1999.

MSG will host Swift and Kelce’s wedding

Swift may have also gotten her wish regarding the wedding venue. According to reports, Swift and Kelce will get married on July 3 at Madison Square Garden. Thus, as she watches the Knickerbockers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Swift may also have time to analyze the venue and make any last-minute adjustments.

As for Kelce, he’s busy gearing up for the 2026 NFL season. While his fiancée enjoys a night out in the City That Never Sleeps, he’ll remain in the City of Fountains working on his craft.

“Bieniemy has this ability to kind of tweak the culture in the right direction. I think this is going to really help us out this year. It’s awesome. He knows how much I’m ready to run through a wall for him this year.”

Those comments highlight the level of respect Bieniemy continues to command inside the Chiefs’ locker room. Few assistants have been more closely associated with Kansas City’s rise to NFL dominance over the past decade.

Eric Bieniemy’s return could be exactly what Kansas City needed

Eric Bieniemy played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning teams in the 2019 and 2022 seasons while serving as offensive coordinator under Andy Reid. Despite his success, the longtime assistant never received the head coaching opportunity many expected.

After leaving Kansas City, Bieniemy attempted to build his résumé elsewhere. He spent time with the Washington Commanders and later joined UCLA, but neither stop produced the breakthrough he was seeking. His career revival began last season as running backs coach for the Chicago Bears under Ben Johnson, a role that helped restore his reputation around the league.

That success ultimately convinced Reid to bring him back to Kansas City. Now, the Chiefs are hoping that the coach who helped build one of football’s most explosive offenses can once again help elevate the team to championship level.

Can the Chiefs win the Super Bowl?

It’s possible. The Chiefs’ confidence is understandable given the amount of star power on the roster. Patrick Mahomes remains the face of the franchise and one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, while Kelce continues to be a focal point of the passing attack. The addition of Kenneth Walker III has also given the offense another dynamic weapon capable of creating explosive plays.

However, questions remain at wide receiver. Xavier Worthy is expected to take on a larger role after flashing his big-play potential, but uncertainty continues to surround Rashee Rice due to his ongoing legal issues. How those situations develop could have a significant impact on the offense’s overall ceiling.

Even so, Kelce clearly believes Bieniemy’s return could be the ingredient that brings everything together. If the veteran coach can once again maximize the talent around Mahomes, the Chiefs may find themselves right back in the Super Bowl conversation by the end of the season.

“We knew basically a day after our last game,” the General Manager revealed on The Pat McAfee Show. When many perhaps thought the answer was taking time to arrive, the No. 87 had evidently already made up his mind beforehand.

The roster has become a true powerhouse heading into what’s next. In fact, Kelce has already endorsed the Chiefs’ second-round pick R Mason Thomas, describing him as a “freak of nature.”

Improving on last season is imperative for Andy Reid and company. Missing the playoffs, combined with the serious injury to Patrick Mahomes, is something this team is eager to bounce back from as quickly as possible.

Can Kelce improve his 2025 stats?

During the 2025 NFL season, Travis Kelce managed to remain a focal point of the Kansas City offense, recording 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. While these numbers secured him a spot as the 4th leading tight end in receiving yards, they also signaled a shift in his role toward a high-efficiency possession receiver rather than the deep threat of his prime.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Kelce faces the uphill battle of age, as he will be competing at 36 years old. Improving upon these stats will be difficult given the natural physical decline and the Chiefs’ need to rebuild following a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2025; however, his elite football IQ and his status as Patrick Mahomes‘ most trusted target mean he remains capable of elite production if he can stay healthy and the offensive line provides the necessary protection.

The anticipated return of Mahomes

Andy Reid is fully committed to Patrick Mahomes’ recovery, with the organization remaining confident that their star quarterback will be under center for Week 1. However, the Chiefs have bolstered their depth to ensure they are prepared for any scenario.

If Mahomes isn’t ready to go, the team might turn to veteran Justin Fields, who was acquired in a trade this past March. Additionally, the quarterback room now features rookie Garrett Nussmeier, selected in the seventh round of the 2026 Draft, alongside Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener, providing Reid with a versatile insurance policy while they await the MVP’s return.

During the latest episode of his podcast New Heights, Kelce said R Mason Thomas “is a f—king freak of nature in terms of athleticism and explosiveness.” Kelce also added that Thomas “is going to be a game-changer at the edge position.”

The Chiefs had 35 sacks last season, which ranked 25th in the NFL. Hence, having a guy like R Mason Thomas will be great for this team. He will line up opposite of George Karlaftis, and with Chris Jones in the middle. The defensive line is quite a threat now.

R Mason Thomas was an absolute menace in college

An Oklahoma product, Thomas did plenty of work during his last two years in the SEC. He racked up 22 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumbles recovered. He was the definition of a force to be reckoned with.

For a guy that stands at 6’2″, 241 lbs, Kelce is right to call Thomas an explosive guy. Thomas ran a 4.67-second 40-yard-dash. He also recorded a 1.63 10-yard split. His physical output is rarely seen for a guy his size. The upside is huge.

Chiefs D-line for 2026

Thomas is not the only new rookie on the roster. The Chiefs used a first-rounder on defensive tackle Peter Woods. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo runs a 4-3 scheme, although very flexible on it. This is how they could line up in 2026 in the front seven:

• George Karlaftis – Defensive End
• Chris Jones – Defensive Tackle
• Peter Woods – Defensive Tackle
• R Mason Thomas – Defensive End
• Drue Tranquill – Weak-side Linebacker
• Nick Bolton – Middle Linebacker
• Cole Christiansen – Strongside Linebacker

Despite having Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in the fold, the search for elite, game-changing pass catchers for Patrick Mahomes remains a priority. The offense, long defined by explosiveness, may be looking to reload rather than rely solely on internal development. According to Mel Kiper Jr., Jordan Tyson could be the name called during the first round.

“As Patrick Mahomes works back from his torn left ACL, the Chiefs’ offense is seeking playmakers. Tight end Travis Kelce is back, but he’s 36 years old. Veteran receiver Hollywood Brown is gone to the Eagles. Third-year wideout Xavier Worthy has flashed but scored only one touchdown last season. Where are the real difference-making pass catchers beyond Rashee Rice?”

Who will the Chiefs draft?

The Chiefs could select a wide receiver early and that would signal a clear shift in priorities. While the defense still presents areas of need, investing in another high-end weapon suggests a commitment to maximizing Patrick Mahomes’ window, especially as Travis Kelce enters the later stages of his career.

At the same time, the potential addition of a player like Tyson comes with risk. Kiper emphasized durability concerns and that could pause not only Kansas City, but also other teams evaluating similar profiles.

“We can’t ignore Tyson’s durability concerns, considering he missed a third of his possible college games because of injuries, but we also can’t ignore his fantastic skill set when he is on the field. He makes tough catches in traffic and had 711 yards last season. I’m already picturing Mahomes buying time in the pocket and firing 50-50 balls to Tyson in the end zone.”

The top five highest-paid players in 2026 is rounded out by Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. With his signing, Pitts continues to be the key bet in the Falcons‘ offense.

• Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) – $15,045,000
• Isaiah Likely (New York Giants) – $14,500,000
• Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) – $13,100,000
• George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) – $12,900,000
• Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) – $12,000,000

The numbers that support Pitts’ franchise tag

In the 2025 NFL season, Kyle Pitts enjoyed a productive campaign with the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in all 17 games. He recorded 88 receptions on 118 targets for 928 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most consistent targets in the team’s passing attack.

Pitts’ contractual future

Although Kyle Pitts has already signed his tender to begin offseason training, both he and the Falcons have until the July 15, 2026 deadline to agree on a multi-year extension. If no long-term deal is reached by that date, he will play the upcoming season under the one-year franchise tag before potentially hitting free agency next year.

A season with great tight ends

The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a massive year for tight ends across the league. Veteran star Travis Kelce has officially signed a one-year extension to return to the Chiefs, while Isaiah Likely has made a high-profile move from Baltimore to the Giants on a three-year, $40 million deal. With these stars anchoring their respective offenses, the position is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming campaign.

Kelce’s announcement quickly generated reactions across the league, including from veteran defensive lineman Cam Jordan. The longtime Saints star posted “Ohhh Yahhhh Trav!!!” on social media, a message that many interpreted as more than just excitement. With Jordan currently a free agent after 15 seasons in New Orleans, the reaction sparked speculation that he could be interested in joining the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jordan would immediately bolster the Chiefs’ defensive front if a move materializes. Pairing him with Chris Jones could give Kansas City another disruptive presence in the pass rush, especially for a team looking to remain in Super Bowl contention. While nothing is official, the timing of his reaction has fueled conversation about a potential connection.

Travis Kelce’s contract with Chiefs

Although several insiders initially described Travis Kelce’s agreement with the Chiefs as a three-year deal worth up to $54 million, the structure tells a different story. The contract is effectively a short-term commitment designed to keep flexibility for both sides while managing the salary cap.

The Chiefs structured Kelce’s new contract as a one-year, $12 million contract with $3 million in incentives, adding extra years only for salary cap flexibility. This type of structure allows the team to spread out the financial impact while still operating on what is essentially a one-season agreement.

From a roster-building perspective, the approach gives Kansas City room to maneuver. The Chiefs retain Kelce for 2026 without locking into a long-term obligation, while also maintaining flexibility to add pieces around Patrick Mahomes. With Kelce back and potential reinforcements like Jordan being discussed, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are focused on maximizing another Super Bowl window.

Through X, the successful tight end couldn’t hide his excitement: “Chiefs Kingdom! Let’s go Baby! It’s official! Excited for 2026 and just excited to put on the Chiefs uniform in front of you guys again. Let’s go Arrowhead! Rockin’ baby. We’ll see you guys in a few months.”

According to Ian Rapoport, Kelce signed a three-year contract worth $54.735 million. Andy Reid and, of course, Patrick Mahomes are eagerly anticipating the start of a new NFL season.

Kelce’s legacy in Chiefs Kingdom

Travis Kelce is the greatest tight end in franchise history and a legend in Chiefs Kingdom. He has recorded over 13,000 receiving yards and 82 regular-season touchdowns during his career.

He also holds the NFL record for the most postseason receptions with over 175 catches. Most importantly, he was a key part of the Kansas City dynasty that won three Super Bowl rings.

Week 1: Mahomes or Fields?

Patrick Mahomes is currently rehabbing a serious knee injury involving both his ACL and LCL, leaving his availability for the 2026 season opener in serious doubt. While he is reportedly ahead of schedule, the Chiefs recently acquired insurance by trading for a new backup to lead the offense if needed.

If the superstar isn’t ready by September, Justin Fields could set an NFL record as the first quarterback to start Week 1 for four different teams in four consecutive seasons.

Chiefs’ Tight End corps

Kelce remains the undisputed leader of the Chiefs‘ tight end room as he enters the 2026 season. He is supported by veteran understudy Noah Gray and the promising 2024 draft pick Jared Wiley, who is looking to bounce back from an injury-hampered rookie year.

The depth chart is rounded out by young developmental talents Jake Briningstool and Tre Watson, both of whom are fighting to secure their roles in the team’s future offensive plans.

The report was made by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Year 1 will earn him $12 million plus $3 million in incentives. Kelce will earn an average of $18.245 million per year, according to Kelce’s agent Mike Simon. Kelce has spoken on when he made the decision to return to the Chiefs.

This puts Kelce as the third-highest paid tight end by average annual value. Only 49ers’ George Kittle ($19.1 million) and Cardinals’ Trey McBride ($19 million) are above him. Kelce goes third, followed by Vikings’ TJ Hockenson at $16.5 million and Kyle Pitts from the Falcons, who is on a $16 million franchise tag.

Kelce’s career also seem to find a new lease of life

Kelce has been near retirement for the last couple of years. However, signing a three-year deal might indicate he does want to play even further. While this doesn’t prohibit Kelce from retiring sooner if he so wishes, it’s a sign on the player’s intentions. However, the contract is structured for this to be his final season, allowing the cap hits to be spread over the added years.

Kelce led the Chiefs in receiving yards last season with 852 yards. He also had five touchdowns. While he is not the best tight end in the NFL anymore, he surely is still a certified menace at the position.

The Chiefs still need to bring some skill players in

While keeping Kelce is good news, that doesn’t mean the team can rest on its laurels. The Chiefs still need a proper star at wide receiver. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are talented, but in no way, shape or form are they WR1 material.