REPORT: Chiefs Expected to Release Travis Kelce Amid Retirement Talks

Travis Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, is contemplating retirement. Despite his legendary status, the Kansas City Chiefs may consider releasing him to save approximately $17.3 million in cap space, especially given his decline in performance over the past two seasons. With only $7.9 million in available cap space, the Chiefs face tough decisions regarding their roster, potentially prioritizing younger players over Kelce. If released, Kelce is expected to attract interest from other teams, despite not being the elite player he once was.

Kelce finished both 2023 and 2024 with under 1,000 receiving yards.
Releasing Kelce could save the Chiefs $17.3 million in cap space.
State of Play
The Chiefs currently have just $7.9 million in cap space.
Kelce’s age and performance decline risk his position on the team amidst potential core player losses.

What’s Next
If Kelce chooses to continue playing, he may find opportunities with various teams looking to enhance their rosters without breaking the bank. The Chargers, Commanders, and Bengals are among the potential destinations for him, dependent on his release.

Bottom Line
The Chiefs may prioritize future team stability over sentimentality with Kelce. The potential savings from his release could bolster the franchise’s roster elsewhere, signaling a tough but necessary shift in strategy