Travis Kelce’s Future With Chiefs: A Big Hint From Eric Bieniemy

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is in no rush to decide his future, leaving fans and analysts alike waiting for any hint about whether he’ll return for the 2026 NFL season or head into retirement. After the disappointing 2025 season, Kelce’s contract with the Chiefs expired, and he hasn’t given any clear signals about his next move. However, the recent comments from a returning coach may have just provided the biggest clue yet about his plans.

Kelce’s Tough Decision: Retirement or Another Season?

Kelce has been candid about the internal struggle he’s facing. The future Hall of Famer, who has been one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, said he’s still weighing whether he can handle another grueling season. After such a physically demanding career, Kelce is wondering if his body can hold up for another long season, including the possible playoff grind.

“If I think my body can heal up and rest up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat,” Kelce said, showing that his decision is deeply tied to how well he recovers. Despite the tough questions surrounding his body’s future, Kelce expressed a strong love for the game, revealing that his passion for football still burns brightly.

Kelce also reassured the Chiefs that he’s been keeping them in the loop. “I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, you know, having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand, at least right now,” he shared. This suggests that while his decision is not yet final, the Chiefs organization is aware of where his mind is at in the present moment.

Eric Bieniemy’s Big Hint About Kelce’s Return

While Kelce has remained tight-lipped about his future, the Chiefs’ return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy might have offered a major clue. Bieniemy, who was with the team from 2013 to 2022, had a front-row seat to Kelce’s rise as one of the league’s top tight ends. His reappointment as offensive coordinator for 2026 has stirred excitement in Kansas City, and his recent comments have only added fuel to the speculation about Kelce’s return.

Bieniemy revealed that he’s already had brief but meaningful conversations with both Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “I’ve had a small minimal conversation with both and they all have been great, but more than anything, it’s just the excitement of reuniting,” Bieniemy said. The tone of these comments suggests that Bieniemy is not just talking about working with Mahomes, but is also looking forward to reuniting with Kelce for what would be a crucial season for the Chiefs.

Bieniemy further expressed his anticipation to get back into the grind with the Chiefs’ stars: “Am I fired up? Yes. Do I respect the hell out of both those guys? Yes. So I’m looking forward to getting back in the grind and chopping wood with them.” The phrase “chopping wood” is a metaphor for the hard work ahead, and his eagerness to work with Kelce and Mahomes seems to imply that he expects both players to be around for the 2026 season.

What This Means for Kelce’s Return

Bieniemy’s words don’t confirm Kelce’s return, but they certainly hint at it. The excitement about reuniting with both Mahomes and Kelce suggests that the Chiefs are preparing for the 2026 season with their star tight end in mind. Given the close working relationship that Bieniemy has shared with both players in the past, it’s likely that his comments reflect a belief that Kelce will be back for at least one more season.

For Kelce, the decision is still a personal one. He’s balancing his physical well-being with his desire to continue competing for championships. But with Bieniemy coming back into the fold and expressing enthusiasm about working with Kelce, it seems that the tight end may be leaning towards one more season in the NFL.

Chiefs Fans Hope for One More Run

The prospect of Kelce returning for another season would undoubtedly be a huge boost for the Chiefs. With the combination of Kelce, Mahomes, and Bieniemy, Kansas City would be poised to continue competing for Super Bowls in 2026 and beyond. Fans are already imagining the possibility of one last playoff run with this trio, especially considering the dynasty the team has built over the past few years.

If Kelce does decide to return, it will likely be under the understanding that this could be one of his final seasons. But for now, the team, its fans, and the rest of the NFL will have to wait for the official word from Kelce himself. Whether he returns or calls it quits, one thing is for sure: Kelce’s decision will be one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason.

As Bieniemy prepares to lead the offense once again, the excitement surrounding the potential return of Travis Kelce gives the Chiefs a reason to believe that they still have the championship pedigree to chase that elusive Super Bowl title in 2026.