Andy Reid’s Surprising Plan for Travis Kelce’s Final Season—What It Means for the Chiefs

As the NFL season comes to a close and the Kansas City Chiefs reflect on their success, one major question hangs over the future of the franchise: what’s next for Travis Kelce? The 35-year-old tight end, widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the position, is at a career crossroads, and head coach Andy Reid has a surprising plan for his final season. This comes amid a report suggesting that the Chiefs have a clear vision for Kelce, even if he decides to delay his retirement.

The Contract Deadline

Kelce, who signed a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs last offseason, has a decision to make by March 14 regarding his future in the NFL. His 2024 campaign saw some decline in production, as he posted career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3). Despite the statistical drop, Kelce remained a key figure in the Chiefs’ offense, finishing the year as the team’s leader in receiving yards, and garnering 35 more targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes than any other player on the roster.

This decline, while notable, doesn’t diminish Kelce’s stature as one of the best in the league. In fact, it highlights how valuable Andy Reid’s offensive system truly is—one that can adapt and thrive, even when its centerpiece isn’t putting up the numbers of his prime years. Kelce’s ability to remain productive, even while not at his peak, speaks volumes about the Chiefs’ offensive philosophy.

The Super Bowl LIX Setback

However, the Chiefs’ most recent loss in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles exposed some of the wear-and-tear Kelce has accumulated over his lengthy career. In that game, Kelce was limited to just four receptions for 39 yards, a stark contrast to his usual dominance. As the Chiefs were thoroughly outplayed, this game served as a potential turning point in how Reid and the team view Kelce’s future role.

A Reduced Role and Mentorship

According to a report from Nate Taylor of 96.5 The Fan, Reid and the Chiefs are eager to bring Kelce back for the 2025 season—however, there’s a twist. If Kelce decides to delay retirement, the team has a plan to transition him into a reduced role within the offense. Instead of continuing as the focal point of the Chiefs’ passing attack, Kelce would move to a more situational playmaker role, where his contributions would be focused on key moments rather than consistent high-volume production.

This shift is part of a broader strategy to phase out Kelce’s presence gradually while preparing the next generation of tight ends to step into his shoes. Kelce would not only serve as a situational weapon but also as a mentor to younger players, helping guide them through the intricacies of Reid’s complex offense.

The Next Generation of Tight Ends

The Chiefs have already begun to position themselves for the future at tight end. The addition of 25-year-old Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the development of Noah Gray and Anthony Firkser, signals that Kansas City is thinking long-term. Gray, in particular, showed promise, finishing the season tied for third on the team in total yardage, and the team is counting on him to eventually fill the void left by Kelce’s retirement.

By transitioning Kelce into a mentoring role, Reid is ensuring that the next crop of Chiefs tight ends will be ready to carry the torch, with Kelce providing valuable insight and leadership along the way. It’s a testament to the team’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to sustained success, even as one of its stars nears the end of his illustrious career.

Kelce’s Legacy and Love for the Game

While the plan for Kelce’s future may be about making the most of his remaining years, it’s clear that the decision is ultimately up to him. As Mahomes noted, Kelce has already done more than enough to secure a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction, but his love for the game continues to drive him. Kelce has given everything to the Chiefs, and it’s clear from his play and passion that he still has the desire to compete at the highest level.

Whether he chooses to return for another season or ride off into the sunset, Kelce’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the position is secure. But if he decides to embrace this new role in 2025, it would be a fitting way to end his career: still contributing in key moments while passing the torch to the next generation.

For the Chiefs, Andy Reid’s plan could be a win-win. They get to keep Kelce around for another season, albeit in a more manageable role, while preparing their young tight ends for the future. It’s a graceful transition that ensures Kelce’s influence continues to shape the team even after he’s gone. And for Kelce, it could be the perfect opportunity to extend his career on his own terms, providing leadership both on and off the field.

As the deadline approaches for Kelce to make his decision, the Chiefs and their fans can only hope that the future Hall of Famer will choose to return for one final ride—bringing wisdom, leadership, and maybe a few more clutch plays before he finally hangs up his cleats for good.