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.

“I think I was taking Jason Kelce’s advice, I was taking the advice. It’s take a step back, because you don’t you got to let the emotions clear, and you got to have a clear head. I’ve made decisions based off of emotions, and, you know, they haven’t always played out the right way.” said Kelce.

“So I think taking a step back, letting the emotions settle down, the frustrations from the season. Of course, I want to come back. Of course, I don’t want to end my career not making the playoffs and not having one of the best years, and definitely having a down year and all that.”

Kelce’s hunger to win another Super Bowl

After all the uncertainty about whether he would return and whether it was truly worth it given his motivation, commitment, and even his performance, Kelce made it clear that none of the criticism or comments affected him and that his focus remains on winning another Super Bowl.

“I think taking a step back and like letting it kind of build. And, you know, what’s my desire? What’s my body feel like? How did I feel going into this year versus coming out of this year, and where my body was at and, you know, even letting it kind of settle, it still felt like I was hungry enough to get back at it.” said Kelce.

“There’s still a little bit of that, that grit and that emotion that, you know, I (expletive) hated the way that sh** ended last year. And I want to do this. I want to, I want to make it right, you know, I get another chance in another Super Bowl.”

The hunger for more success remains very present for Kelce as he enters his 14th NFL season after not reaching the playoffs in the previous campaign and after losing the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles the season before that, two difficult years with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The doubts regarding the tight end’s return clearly were not related to a sporting issue. In fact, there are those who claim that last season Kelce had better performances than in previous years. Enough reason to be excited about what’s to come.

NFL insider James Palmer revealed on his X account how the confidence in what the number 87 can do is the order of the day: “There are plenty of people in that Chiefs building that think Travis Kelce can really still play.

“Some believe he was actually better this past season compared to two seasons ago. he’s figured out how to play in his mid 30’s and figured out how to physically sustain a full season. Kelce still finds space, still sets up defenders well, and still has a football IQ through the roof. This isn’t just extending a franchise great, this makes the the offense better.”

A lethal duo in Chiefs Kingdom

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have established themselves as arguably the greatest quarterback-receiver duo in NFL history, headlined by three Super Bowl championships (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) and four AFC titles together.

Their most iconic achievement came during the 2023-24 postseason, where they surpassed Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the most postseason touchdowns by a duo, currently sitting at 18 playoff scores as a tandem.

Individually, while catching passes from Mahomes, Kelce has shattered numerous records, including the most receptions in NFL postseason history (165) and moving into second place all-time for playoff receiving yards and touchdowns, trailing only Jerry Rice.

In the regular season, they recently reached a milestone of 75 combined touchdowns, solidifying a partnership that has anchored nine consecutive AFC West titles and a historic dynasty era for the Kansas City Chiefs.

On Monday, reports emerged that Travis Kelce had agreed to a contract to re-sign with the Chiefs. The veteran tight end is back, and he wants to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2025.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, the tight end was questioned about his decision to return. Kelce said that he has a lot of confidence in Andy Reid and how the head coach can turn things around to ensure an extraordinary 2026 season.

“We know we’ve got the nucleus… We’ve got Coach Reid,” Kelce said on what will change after a terrible 2025 season. “We’re never out of this thing. We know the division is getting better across the board… It’ll make us better… We hear it all, though.“

What made Travis Kelce return

The 2025 NFL season was arguably the worst for the Chiefs in recent years. The AFC West franchise had built a solid dynasty, yet they couldn’t get things together and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Clearly, the fanbase is worried that the team has run out of gas. However, Kelce believes the club has made the right decisions to build a better roster around a superstar like Patrick Mahomes, who is working hard to return from his ACL injury.

“Making another run at it and the Chiefs are making moves,” Kelce said on his decision to return. “We’ve got Brett Veach & Andy Reid going & getting the Super Bowl MVP. You kidding me?! It was pretty short & brief and the Chiefs knew where I was the entire time on it.”

The Chiefs won’t have an easy 2026

Last year, the Broncos dominated the AFC West and secured the division title, ending the 9-year run the Chiefs had established. Furthermore, the Chargers managed to finish second, leaving Kansas City in a third-place standing that very few expected.

For 2026, things could be even more complicated. Not only are the Broncos and Chargers regarded as solid contenders, but the Raiders are expected to improve significantly following their offseason moves and the imminent arrival of Indiana standout Fernando Mendoza, who is projected to be the 1st overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Kelce has always made it clear the Chiefs enjoyed a preferential treatment as he explored his options in free agency. Thus, it’s no wonder he has granted Kansas City a discount as he put pen to paper on a new contract for the upcoming NFL season.

“Chiefs are giving free-agent TE Travis Kelce a one-year, $12 million deal that has a max value of $15 million,” Adam Schefter reported on his X account. The contract details may further confirm that Kelce has turned down the NY Giants and other suitors to stay with the Chiefs.

In addition to Kelce’s return for a reasonable price, the Chiefs made waves around the NFL with the signing of Kenneth Walker, whom Patrick Mahomes welcomed with a two-word message. Needless to say, Kansas City means business in 2026, and it is now wasting no time to make it known.

Kelce’s stats in 2025

By no means did Kelce and the Chiefs put on strong numbers in the 2025 NFL season. Kelce—who has a seat reserved in the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to call it a career—registered 76 receptions for 851 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns last campaign. None of his marks were career lows, but they were closer to rock bottom than to the pinnacle by Kelce’s standards.

Excuses can be found for both the tight end and the team as a whole, but for an organization that has made competing for Super Bowls year in and year out its clear north star, everybody regressed last year. That’s why the Chiefs are leaving no stone unturned as they gear up for 2026.

At 36 years old, Kelce has been slowly declining, yet in 2025 he had quite a good season, getting Pro Bowl honors and leading the Chiefs in yards with 852. He also had five touchdowns during the season.

Kelce is not only an icon, but he is a captain and a leader of the team. His connection with Patrick Mahomes has been one of the most unstoppable things in the NFL for the past decade and it will continue to be like that, at least for one year.

Eric Bieniemy’s return might have played a factor in Kelce’s return

Back in January, the Chiefs announced the return of Eric Bieniemy as the team’s offensive coordinator. Kelce was ecstatic with that move. That might have been the key factor that made Kelce open to return. After all, Bieniemy made Kelce have the best years of his career.

Under Bieniemy, Kelce averaged 1,288.8 yards and 9.4 touchdowns per season on 101.4 receptions. Kelce was also in his prime at that point, so there is no guarantee that he’ll come back to that version, but surely Bieniemy has proven he knows how to get the best of Kelce.

Kelce’s possible contract is a lucrative one

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Kelce and the Chiefs are working out a deal that could be up to $15 million for one year. Russini also reported that Kelce is exploring the market with a few select teams, but it seems like 87 will be back in Arrowhead.

Another key factor on Kelce’s return to the Chiefs is that you are almost guaranteed one or more step downs in quarterback play if you leave the team. Patrick Mahomes is an all-time great QB, and the chemistry with Kelce is one of the best. Hence, going to another team means a huge downgrade there, which could hamper Kelce’s production. For instance, if he went to the Giants, he would’ve gone from Mahomes, to Jaxson Dart.

According to journalist Adam Schefter, who shared the news on his X account, the Giants have secured the services of the veteran tight end for one more season, marking the 12th year for the experienced player.

Manhertz appeared in all 17 games of the last season and, although his statistical impact in receptions was minimal, he still managed to move his personal stats. In total, he recorded 1 reception for 7 yards, without scoring a touchdown.

This move came just a few hours before Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Kelce is ultimately staying with the Chiefs, with the veteran star coming back for a 14th NFL season in Kansas City.

Johnson will continue being the beacon for Dart

Theo Johnson is set to remain a cornerstone of the passing attack as the primary tight end for Jaxson Dart. After a breakout regular season where he hauled in 45 receptions for 528 yards and 5 touchdowns, he has proven to be a reliable safety valve and a red-zone threat. His chemistry with Dart and his ability to move the chains suggest he will continue to be a focal point in the offensive scheme moving forward.