Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has stated that star tight end Travis Kelce is expected to return to the team for the 2025 season.
This comes despite Kelce recently saying on his podcast that he'd like to take some time before deciding if he's going to keep playing next year.
The 35-year-old tight end has one more year remaining on his contract with the Chiefs.
Veach, speaking at the NFL combine on Tuesday, expressed confidence in Kelce's return.
Travis Kelce looks set to return to action for the Chiefs, says general manager Brett Veach
Reuters
"I'm not sure how coach answered that — how we left it at the end of the season is that he was fired up," Veach said.
"He has one more year under contract and still think he has that fire and desire to play."
The GM was unequivocal about Kelce's future, adding: "We left it at he'd be back, and we're excited to have him back."
Head coach Andy Reid, however, took a more cautious approach when discussing Kelce's future.
"[T]hat's up to Travis. At this point, you get out of town and relax. That's kind of my motto for these guys," Reid said.
Reid acknowledged he had already spoken with Kelce during exit meetings.
"And he and I will get together — listen, we had exit meetings with all the guys before they left. So we did have a chance to talk."
Kelce caught 97 passes for 823 yards with three touchdowns in the regular season last year.
He added 13 receptions for 175 yards with a touchdown in three postseason games.
Reports have indicated that Kansas City would like to know Kelce's plans by mid-March.
But if Veach's assessment is correct, the Chiefs already know the tight end will be back for 2025.
Travis Kelce was left devastated after the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl
Reuters
Kelce has been an integral part of the Chiefs' offence for years but has acknowledged the gruelling nature of the NFL season.
The four-time All-Pro has already laid the groundwork for a career in television.
He also hosts a popular podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce.
While Kelce has professed his love for football several times leading up to the Super Bowl, his post-playing career options appear plentiful.
The contrasting messages from Chiefs leadership highlight the uncertainty around Kelce's future.
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Andy Reid was cautious when asked about Travis Kelce's future
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While Veach speaks with certainty about the tight end's return, Reid's approach suggests nothing is finalised.
Kelce himself has yet to make a public statement confirming his intentions for 2025.
For now, Chiefs fans will likely take comfort in their general manager's confidence that the star tight end will be back for another season.
