NFL Rumors: Chiefs' Travis Kelce 'Leaning' Toward 2025 Return amid Retirement Buzz

Travis Kelce reportedly might not be ready to call it a career.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is "leaning more toward" returning in 2025 rather than retiring.

"There's definitely a sense that Travis is going to try to play more," Russini said on The Rich Eisen Show (2:00 mark). "I haven't heard anyone saying 'Yeah, he's really struggling with what he wants to do.' It's definitely leaning more towards that. That can of course change... But for this Chiefs operation looking to move forward here, I think they feel pretty good that Travis has a little more left in him."

Kelce, 35, is likely past his prime, but he can still be productive for the Chiefs as they look to get back to the Super Bowl. He's coming off a season in which he recorded 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 97 receptions.

Russini's report comes after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Kelce was leaning toward retiring.

Amid the conflicting reports, his exact decision could be known soon. Nate Taylor and Cale Clinton of The Athletic reported last week that the Chiefs "want to know of his decision around March 14."

Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti noted that Kelce's $11.5M roster bonus is due on March 14, which could be why the Chiefs set that deadline. Kelce has one year and $17.25 million left on his contract.

Kelce and those close to him are the only ones who know what he's thinking, but he can't go wrong with whatever he decides. Another year would give Kelce the chance to potentially add another Super Bowl to his resume, but if he calls it quits now, he'll head into retirement as one of the best tight ends to ever play the game.