Chiefs Insider: Travis Kelce Isn't Expected to Announce Retirement Decision by Combine

Don't expect Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to provide an answer about his status for the 2025 NFL season by the time the Scouting Combine arrives.

The Athletic's Nate Taylor reported Sunday the combine, which ends March 3, will likely come and go without any clarity regarding Kelce.

That's still a little ahead of the general deadline the Chiefs have given the 10-time Pro Bowler. Taylor and colleague Cade Clinton reported the three-time reigning AFC champions "want to know of his decision around March 14."

The NFL's 2025 league year starts on March 12 and that's when free agency officially opens. Teams can begin negotiations with free agents on March 10.

For Kansas City, it's important to know early into free agency whether it will need a new starting tight end for next season, and there are salary considerations with Kelce. He has an $11.5 million roster bonus that gets paid out on March 14.

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce said on the newest episode of The Steam Room his younger brother "probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do."

It could seemingly go either way with the 35-year-old pass-catcher.

Kelce is coming off his worst season—excluding 2013 when he was limited to one game. He caught 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns. His 51.4 receiving yards per game and 8.5 yards per reception were both well below his career averages.

There's also no longer the chance to make NFL history after the Philadelphia Eagles denied the Chiefs' three-peat bid in Super Bowl LIX.

But Kelce may want one more opportunity to end what's a Hall of Fame career on a high note. Kansas City should remain in the Super Bowl hunt next season, so he could plausibly earn a fourth Super Bowl ring and then hang his cleats up.

If Kelce has basically made up his mind, then it sounds as though he's in no rush to publicize his choice.