Palm Beach, Florida – A New Chapter for Travis Kelce
In the aftermath of the Kansas City Chiefs’ disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, one of the first individuals to hear about Travis Kelce’s offseason decision was none other than head coach Andy Reid. Kelce, a future Hall of Fame tight end and a pivotal player for the Chiefs, reached out to Reid just days after the heartbreaking defeat to confirm he would not be retiring.
“I wanted him to put it out there and not me,” Reid shared on Monday. “I always encourage players to take a step back after the season, but Travis is eager to return and is training rigorously as well.”
Plans for Supporting Kelce
As Kelce embarks on what could potentially be the final season of his remarkable career, Reid revealed at the NFL owners’ meetings that the Chiefs are exploring new strategies to better support him within their offensive framework. Last season was particularly challenging for Kelce, who at 35, found himself shouldering an immense workload alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes due to injuries plaguing key receivers like Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, as well as running back Isiah Pacheco. Kelce led the team with 133 targets, but his season stats of 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns marked the lowest figures of his career.
“We might need to manage his snaps better,” Reid acknowledged. “He played 940 snaps last season, which accounted for 84 percent of our offensive plays. He enjoys being on the field for every snap and practice rep, but we need to find a balance.”
- Kelce’s effectiveness could improve with fewer snaps.
- Injuries at the receiver position impeded his performance.
- Healthier teammates around him will help him maintain productivity.
Reflections on Super Bowl LIX
In Super Bowl LIX, Kelce struggled, finishing with only four receptions on six targets for a mere 39 yards—a stark contrast to his usual dominance. This marked the first time in his career that he failed to record a reception in the first half of a postseason game. Mahomes also faced difficulties in finding his rhythm against the Eagles, as Philadelphia’s formidable defense exploited the Chiefs’ vulnerabilities, particularly in their offensive line. The Eagles’ pass rush was relentless, generating 16 pressures and sacking Mahomes six times, a career-high for him.
Just two days after the Super Bowl loss, Kelce shared on the “New Heights” podcast, co-hosted with his brother, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, that he was contemplating retirement. However, by early March, Kelce clarified his decision to return for the upcoming season, stating:
“The biggest thing is that I f—— love playing the game of football. I still feel like I can play at a high level — and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing. I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them, especially if you look at my track record in previous years. I want to give it a good run. I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth from how I ended the year and how accountable I was for the people around me.”
Offseason Moves to Enhance Team Dynamics
This offseason, the Chiefs took significant steps to bolster their roster by re-signing Marquise Brown to a one-year deal, ensuring that their top three wide receivers—Brown, Rice, and Xavier Worthy—will be able to collaborate effectively in 2025. This should create more opportunities for Kelce in the middle of the field. Furthermore, the Chiefs may also consider selecting a receiver or a tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft, providing a chance for a young player to learn from Kelce’s vast experience.
“I’m thrilled he’s going to be back,” said club owner Clark Hunt regarding Kelce’s return. “Deep down, I believe that (general manager) Brett (Veach), Andy, and I felt he would come back. He loves the game, he loves his teammates, and I know Coach Reid is excited to have his energy back in the building for at least one more year.”
Hunt continued: “He’s not going to tell us which year will be his last. He’s been an integral part of our success over the last seven years. He’s already a Hall of Famer and has a unique chemistry with Patrick. It’s going to be exciting to see them work their magic again this year.”
Mahomes’ Preparation and Contract Outlook
As the Chiefs gear up for the offseason program starting later this month, Mahomes has already begun his preparations. After appearing courtside at a Texas Tech basketball game with a new, more mature haircut, he looks revitalized. Known for his previous “Dad Bod,” Mahomes has slimmed down significantly, shedding weight through rigorous workout sessions with his performance trainer, Bobby Stroupe, in Tyler, Texas.
“He’ll come back even better than he was — and that’s the great thing about him,” Reid commented on Mahomes. “Throughout a player’s career, the work is never done, especially against brilliant defensive coordinators.”
In terms of contracts, Mahomes, who is currently the NFL’s 13th-highest-paid quarterback with an average salary of $45 million, is not expected to see adjustments to his contract in the near future. Hunt explained that the Chiefs restructured Mahomes’ deal in September 2023, committing $210.6 million over four years, which at that time was the largest contract in NFL history for that duration.
“We upgraded his deal within the confines of his original 10-year extension,” Hunt said. “This system is solid for several years to come.”
Retention of Key Players: Smith and Bolton
According to Hunt, one of the Chiefs’ most significant offseason moves was retaining right guard Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton. Before the new league year began, the Chiefs utilized the franchise tag on Smith, securing him with a one-year salary of $23.4 million. Shortly after, they signed Bolton to a lucrative three-year, $45 million deal, which included $30 million in guaranteed money.
Hunt acknowledged that the increase in the league’s salary cap to $279.2 million was instrumental in helping the Chiefs achieve their goals this offseason. They had anticipated a cap around $270 million.
“We’re thrilled to have both of them with us in 2025 — and ideally for many seasons beyond this one,” Hunt remarked regarding Smith and Bolton.
Smith, recognized for his athleticism and durability, has started 80 of 81 games, including playoffs. He has excelled in the running game and has shown marked improvement in pass protection for Mahomes. Last season, Smith achieved an impressive feat by not allowing a single sack on 655 pass-blocking snaps.
“Ultimately, I can only focus on working out and training,” Smith expressed on the “Up & Adams” show. “I love Kansas City; it’s my home, and I adore the Chiefs. The fans here are incredible. Ideally, I would love to stay with the team. That’s my plan.”
Smith is currently the only player in the league remaining under the franchise tag. The deadline for reaching a contract extension is 3 p.m. CT on July 15. Hunt maintains confidence that the Chiefs will secure an extension with Smith.
“Our desire, and I believe Trey’s as well, is to work out a long-term deal,” Hunt stated. “We are keen on finalizing that before the deadline.”
(Photo: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
