The rumors started flying the second the clock hit zero in Las Vegas on January 4, 2026. After a brutal 14-12 loss to the Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs officially missed the playoffs for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over the huddle.
Naturally, the internet did what it does best: it panicked. People saw Travis Kelce walking off the field, looking visibly emotional, and immediately started asking the same question: Is Travis Kelce cut from the Chiefs? Let’s get the straight answer out of the way first. No, Travis Kelce was not cut. Cutting a first-ballot Hall of Famer and a franchise icon after a rough season isn't how the Chiefs operate. However, the reality of the situation is actually a bit more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Truth About Kelce’s Contract Status
The reason everyone is talking about Kelce "leaving" isn't because of a pink slip. It’s because of the calendar. As of right now, Travis Kelce is an unrestricted free agent. His two-year, $34.25 million contract has officially run its course.
Basically, he isn't "cut" because he isn't technically on the roster anymore.
When a player's contract expires, they just... exist in NFL limbo. He’s free to sign with anyone, retire, or go back to Kansas City. But for the first time in over a decade, there is no paperwork connecting #87 to the Chiefs for the 2026 season.
It feels weird, right? For years, Kelce has been the one constant. But at 36 years old—turning 37 this October—the business side of football is finally catching up to the legend.
Did the Chiefs Already Replace Him?
If you follow the daily transactions report, you might have seen a name pop up on January 12: Tre Watson.
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The Chiefs signed Watson to a "reserve/future" contract. To a casual fan, that sounds like they just went out and found the next Kelce. In reality, it’s a depth move. Watson spent all of 2025 on the practice squad. By signing him now, the Chiefs are just making sure they have someone in the room while they wait for Travis to make up his mind.
But look at the depth chart. It’s getting thin. Aside from Watson, they’ve got:
- Noah Gray: The reliable veteran who would likely take the TE1 spot if Kelce leaves.
- Jared Wiley: A young guy still finding his footing.
- Jake Briningstool: Another 2025 addition with upside but zero experience as a starter.
The Chiefs aren't necessarily replacing him yet, but they are clearly preparing for a world where he doesn't come back.
The "Gronk" Theory and the Rebuild
Here is where things get spicy. Rob Gronkowski went on Fox NFL Sunday recently and basically said Kelce should look elsewhere.
Gronk’s argument was pretty blunt. He thinks the Chiefs are heading into a "rebuild year." After losing the AFC West title to the Denver Broncos and watching the roster age out, the championship window in KC might be squinting shut for a second.
Gronkowski suggested that if Kelce wants one more ring, he might have to pull a "Tampa Bay" move—testing the market to find a team that is one piece away from a Super Bowl.
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Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Kelce in any jersey other than red and gold. He has spent 13 seasons in Kansas City. He holds the record for the most points by a non-kicker in franchise history (522 points, as of the end of the 2025 season). Walking away from that legacy to ring-chase elsewhere feels unlike him, but in the NFL, you never say never.
Retirement Rumors: Is He Just Done?
On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis was his usual candid self. He joked about being "officially jobless."
"I think just being a regular human for a couple weeks," he told his brother Jason. He mentioned that he needs to see how his body heals up. After 17 games in 2025, where he still put up respectable numbers—76 catches for 851 yards and 5 touchdowns—he isn't "washed," but he’s definitely feeling the miles.
He admitted this decision is harder than it was last year. In 2025, he knew immediately he wanted to play. This time? He’s taking a month to think.
There's also the "Taylor Factor." With a rumored summer 2026 wedding and a massive career waiting for him in media (reports say he’s already talking to Netflix and other streamers about correspondent roles), Kelce has a very full life outside of football.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Offseason
The biggest misconception is that the Chiefs want him gone to save money.
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While the Chiefs are tight against the salary cap for 2026, Kelce is a guy you make room for. If he wants to play, Andy Reid and Brett Veach will find a way to make the math work. The "is Travis Kelce cut" narrative likely comes from people seeing the team struggle and assuming they’re cleaning house.
The Chiefs didn't fail in 2025 because of Kelce. They failed because of a perfect storm of injuries (including Mahomes missing time) and a defense that couldn't stop the run late in the year.
The Verdict on Kelce's Future
So, what’s actually going to happen?
If you look at the evidence, a few paths emerge:
- The One-Year "Last Dance": Kelce signs a team-friendly, one-year deal to finish his career on his own terms in KC, hopefully with a healthy Mahomes.
- The Retirement Route: He decides 13 seasons (Taylor's lucky number, coincidentally) is enough and pivots to a full-time media career and life with his fiancée.
- The Wild Card: He tests free agency and signs with a contender, though this feels the least likely given his deep ties to the Kansas City community.
Actionable Insights for Chiefs Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the news cycle, keep an eye on these specific markers over the next few weeks:
- The March Free Agency Deadline: This is when the NFL league year begins. If Kelce hasn't signed a deal by mid-March, the "retirement" or "new team" talk will become deafening.
- NFL Draft Strategy: If the Chiefs use a high pick (Round 1 or 2) on a tight end in late April, that is the clearest signal yet that they know Kelce is moving on.
- Media Announcements: Watch for any official news regarding a Netflix partnership. If he signs a major "correspondent" deal, it likely means his Sundays will be spent in a booth, not on the turf.
The "cut" rumors are just noise. The reality is a legend at a crossroads, weighing a legacy against a future that looks incredibly bright, even without a helmet on.