🚨 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SIGN TRE WATSON: Chiefs Tight End Returns on Reserve/Future Contract as Travis Kelce’s Retirement Rumors Loom 👇

On January 12, the Kansas City Chiefs made a key move for their future, officially re-signing tight end Tre Watson to a reserve/future contract. The signing is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding the tight end position, with future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce reportedly weighing the possibility of retirement. Watson’s return offers the Chiefs depth at the position as they prepare for what could be a pivotal offseason.

A-to-Z Sports Kansas City’s Charles Goldman broke the news on X, confirming that the Chiefs have secured Watson’s return after he spent the 2025 season on the team’s practice squad. Goldman’s tweet explained, “The Chiefs signed TE Tre Watson to a reserve/future deal. Watson spent the season on the team’s practice squad.”

Watson was one of several players whose contracts were set to expire on January 12, meaning the Chiefs moved quickly to lock in this reunion just before the deadline. For Kansas City, the decision to bring back Watson comes as good news in the face of uncertainty at tight end.

Tre Watson’s Journey to Kansas City

The 6-foot-5 tight end entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie, with stops at both Texas A&M and Fresno State. Watson joined the Chiefs early in the offseason, but injuries derailed his rookie campaign, limiting his opportunities. Despite the setbacks, he remained on the 90-man roster throughout the preseason, a sign that Kansas City was invested in his potential.

During the 2025 preseason, Watson was targeted twice and caught one pass for 4 yards. While his stats may not jump off the page, the fact that he stuck around through the season is indicative of the Chiefs’ belief in his ability to contribute in the future.

In college, Watson showed flashes of his talent. He caught 78 passes for 862 yards and 5 touchdowns across 45 games. His most productive season came in 2023 with Fresno State, where he posted 38 catches for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns. With this pedigree, Watson offers the Chiefs a solid developmental piece for the tight end position moving forward.

The Uncertainty Surrounding Travis Kelce’s Retirement

Watson’s return becomes even more crucial with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Travis Kelce. The 33-year-old tight end has been one of the NFL’s most dominant players, but rumors of his potential retirement have been swirling ever since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce has hinted at taking some time to make a decision, but the team and general manager Brett Veach are still waiting for a definitive answer.

Although Kelce has not set a hard deadline for his retirement decision, he has made it clear that he will attempt to make his choice without negatively impacting the Chiefs’ offseason plans. The expectation is that Kelce will inform Veach and head coach Andy Reid about his decision before free agency begins in March.

If Kelce delays his decision beyond that, the next big moment will come in late April with the NFL draft, where the Chiefs may prioritize drafting a tight end to address the position. However, both Reid and Kelce’s comments indicate that it’s unlikely the Chiefs will have to wait that long for an answer, with many believing that Kelce will make up his mind before the start of the offseason.

Kelce’s Contemplation: What It Means for His Future

Kelce’s decision to step away from the game seems to have been influenced by the Chiefs’ disappointing Super Bowl loss. In a candid reflection, Kelce admitted that the loss to the Eagles left a bitter taste in his mouth. Despite this, he did not convey the impression that his decision would be an easy one, signaling that retirement is not a foregone conclusion.

For Chiefs fans hoping for Kelce’s return, this ambiguity in his decision could be a cause for concern. However, it’s also possible that Kelce’s feelings will shift as he takes more time to reflect on his future. One factor that could influence his decision is the relationship he shares with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two have developed a deep bond, both as teammates and friends, and this personal connection could play a significant role in Kelce’s choice to return for one final season alongside Mahomes, who is coming off a second MVP award.

Watson’s Role Amidst Kelce’s Uncertainty

As the Chiefs wait for Kelce’s final decision, Tre Watson’s re-signing provides them with a potential safety net at the tight end position. While Watson is not a direct replacement for Kelce, his presence on the roster gives Kansas City flexibility as they explore their options. If Kelce retires, Watson will likely have a more significant role in the offense, but even if Kelce returns, Watson’s development on the practice squad could make him an important depth piece moving forward.

For now, the Chiefs are poised to navigate an uncertain tight end landscape, balancing the future of Kelce with the potential of Watson. The combination of veteran leadership from Kelce and young talent like Watson could keep the Chiefs in contention for years to come.

Conclusion: Chiefs Tight End Position in Flux

As the Chiefs await Kelce’s decision, the addition of Tre Watson on a reserve/future contract provides the team with another option at tight end. Whether Kelce returns for one more season or decides to retire, Watson’s return shows that the Chiefs are preparing for all possibilities. In the meantime, the organization will continue to monitor Kelce’s situation closely as the offseason progresses.

For now, Watson’s reunion is a positive step for the Chiefs, giving them some stability at a position that could undergo significant change in the near future.