The Chiefs have remained in touch with Kelce during the offseason and are hopeful to re-sign him for the 2026 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

For the second offseason in a row, the 36-year-old tight end is taking some time to ponder his playing future before he comes to a decision on whether to continue his career or head into retirement. If the impending free agent elects to keep playing in 2026, Kelce's preference would almost certainly be to return to Kansas City for a 13th season, and the Chiefs are seemingly willing to keep a roster spot open for him. Though the Chiefs finished a disappointing 6-11 in 2025 and played without star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) for their final three contests, Kelce still enjoyed a bounce-back season in terms of efficiency. He played the full 17-game slate and recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns on 108 targets, with his 7.9 yards per target representing a big uptick from his 2024 mark of 6.2.

Kelce recorded three receptions on six targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

The Chiefs predictably struggled to move the ball with the combination of Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele leading the offense. Kelce still managed to hit a few milestones to add to his storied career, becoming the third tight end to 13,000 receiving yards in his career while also recording at least 75 receptions for the 10th straight season. Retirement rumors will now become prevalent until Kelce makes a decision about his playing future, and this could prove to be his final game in the NFL.

Kelce brought in five of six targets for 36 yards in the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night.

EDGE Analysis

Kelce was Chris Oladokun's favorite target by far, leading to the veteran tight end recording team highs in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Kelce fared much better than in his first game without Patrick Mahomes (IR, knee) in Week 16 against the Titans, and another week of practice with his young quarterback could lead to a solid finish to an otherwise disappointing season in a Week 18 road matchup against the Raiders.

Kelce caught one of four targets for six yards in Sunday's 26-9 loss to the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

With Patrick Mahomes (knee) lost for the season and Gardner Minshew (knee) not even making it to halftime before going down as well, Kelce was left with third-string QB Chris Oladokun under center, and the duo showed very little chemistry en route to the veteran tight end's worst numbers of 2025. Minshew may have suffered a torn ACL, so a week of first-team reps together could improve that connection, but Kelce -- along with the rest of the Kansas City passing attack -- will be a very shaky fantasy option in Week 17 against the Broncos.

Kelce is expected to play in the Chiefs' last three games of the regular season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kelce has deflected questions about his future in the league and has previously suggested he'll make his decision by March of 2026, before both the NFL Draft and the start of free agency. While his future status may be in doubt, he won't bow out for the rest of the 2025 season even after the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention. Nevertheless, his numbers could suffer in the final three games with Gardner Minshew under center, who is replacing the injured Patrick Mahomes (knee).

Kelce brought in seven of nine targets for 70 yards in the Chiefs' 16-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Kelce paced the Chiefs in receiving yards while tying Rashee Rice for the team lead in receptions as well during a loss that officially eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention. The perennial Pro Bowler was the intended receiver on Gardner Minshew's game-ending interception, with the veteran backup quarterback in the game due to Patrick Mahomes having suffered a potentially serious knee injury on the first play after the two-minute warning. Kelce should remain a key part of the offense for the final three games, although how much run head coach Andy Reid will give a veteran player such as the talented tight end remains to be seen, particularly if Mahomes is sidelined the rest of the way.

Kelce was held to one catch on five targets for eight yards in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Kelce was completely eliminated from Sunday's game plan, as he was held by Houston's dominant secondary to a season-low one reception. The Chiefs committed six drops altogether on Sunday Night Football, but none stood out more than the star tight end's late bobble that landed safely in the hands of the defense on his team's second-to-last possession. Kelce has provided fantasy managers with consistent weekly production outside of Sunday's dud, so a bounce-back outing could be in order against the Chargers next Sunday.

Kelce caught five of six targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 31-28 loss to the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

The future Hall of Famer hit pay dirt for the fifth time this season, and the 84th time in his career, on a two-yard toss from Patrick Mahomes in the first quarter. Kelce has caught at least four passes in five straight games, compiling a 28-344-3 line on 38 targets over that stretch, but he may have a hard time keeping that momentum going Week 14 against the Texans.

Kelce caught four of six targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over Indianapolis.

EDGE Analysis

The yardage total was his lowest since Week 3, but Kelce did record at least four receptions for the fourth straight game, a stretch in which he's delivered a 23-299-2 line on 32 targets. The veteran tight end remains a key part of the Kansas City passing game at age 36, and Kelce could be busier in Week 13 during a Thanksgiving clash with the Cowboys.

Kelce caught nine of 13 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Broncos.

EDGE Analysis

With his 21-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter, the veteran tight end became Kansas City's all-time franchise leader in touchdowns with 84 for his career, passing Priest Holmes. Kelce has produced more than 90 yards with a touchdown in two of the last three games, and on the season he sports a 50-631-4 line on 66 targets through 10 contests, keeping him on pace to deliver his first 1,000-yard campaign since 2022. Kelce will look to keep rolling in Week 12 against the Colts.