Report: Chiefs Could Release Franchise Icon If He Doesn’t Retire
Three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce is contemplating retirement, but the Kansas City Chiefs could release him even if he suits up for another season. A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce became one of the most accomplished and successful players in the history of the NFL and was an unstoppable force at his peak. Unfortunately, age has affected the 12-year veteran, as he looked notably slower last year and finished with under 1,000 yards for the second straight season.
Perhaps this is the end of his professional career, but NFL Network’s Matt Okada believes there’s a decent chance the Chiefs release Travis Kelce. While parting ways with a franchise icon in such unceremonious fashion is strange, it’s not unheard of. The NFL is about the bottom line, and if the Indianapolis Colts can cut Peyton Manning, then the Chiefs can cut Travis Kelce.
“Assuming Travis Kelce doesn’t retire this spring, the Chiefs could probably restructure his contract to make it work until he does hang up the cleats. But it’s not impossible they they let him go for a whopping $17.3 million in cap savings, considering the 35-year-old has not posted consecutive seasons with fewer than 1,000 yards and had just eight receiving touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.”
REPORT: Chiefs Could Release Travis Kelce If He Doesn’t Retire
Travis Kelce may not be the player he once was, which is why the Chiefs could release him. As of this posting, Kansas City has just $7.9 million in cap space and could lose core players like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton to free agency. Kelce might be a local legend, but the additional $17.25 million in cap savings could be enough to retain those young franchise cornerstones. Put simply, Kelce isn’t worth his current contract and NFL teams won’t sacrifice the future for a storybook ending, no matter how good that player was at their peak.
If Travis Kelce decides to keep playing and the Chiefs release him, he should be able to find a new home with another organization. While he is no longer an elite tight end, he’s still an adequate pass-catcher who knows how to get open against zone coverage. Several teams could use a player like him, especially since he’ll come at a considerable discount on the open market.
Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the worst collection of tight ends in football last year. Hayden Hurst did not work out, and career journeyman Will Dissly is the only player who made a positive contribution last year. While the team made the playoffs, the lack of proper weapons directly contributed to their early playoff exit. Now armed with over $70 million in cap space, the Chargers could land Travis Kelce and still have plenty of money to address other key needs on the team.
Washington Commanders
The future has never been brighter for the Washington Commanders. Inheriting a 4-13 team, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and first-year head coach Dan Quinn guided the team to the NFC Championship Game. This team is well ahead of schedule in their quest to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, so they might as well add someone with plenty of experience in that category. With veteran tight end Zach Ertz set to reach free agency, the Commanders could let him walk and target Travis Kelce, assuming the Chiefs release him.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals were the last AFC team to stop the Kansas City Chiefs from winning the Super Bowl, so it would be fitting for them to target Travis Kelce if his old team decides to release him. Reports indicate the Bengals will use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, which means the trio of Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and quarterback Joe Burrow should return for at least one more season. This aerial attack can go blow-for-blow with any offense in the league, but adding someone like Kelce would help in the short passing game. Mike Gesicki played well last year, but he’s a free agent and the present-day version is still superior to the journeyman tight end.
