Chiefs GM Brett Veach comments on Travis Kelce's status ahead of 2026 season

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach commented on Travis Kelce's status ahead of the 2026 season, saying the team continues to "let that process play out." Kansas City Chiefs Chiefs GM Brett Veach comments on Travis Kelce's status ahead of 2026 season Veach called Kelce an 'icon,' but the team continues to 'let that process play out' By Scott Thompson Fox News Published February 24, 2026 6:28pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Are Steelers, Cowboys, Pats and/or Chiefs the best Dynasty in NFL history? 🤔 | First Things First Nick Wright unveils a special edition of his Tiers, where he ranks the all-time great NFL dynasties of the century. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As the days get closer to the official start of the 2026 NFL season, Travis Kelce’s status with the Kansas City Chiefs remains a hot topic. Kelce has said that he would let the Chiefs know whether he will play in 2026 or not by the new league year to allow general manager Brett Veach and the rest of the franchise to make moves for the rest of the roster. While speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Veach was asked if he had heard from Kelce yet. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images) "Travis is the best," Veach said, per the New York Post. "He’s an icon … We’ll just let that process play out." Owner Clark Hunt also commented on Kelce earlier this offseason, saying the Chiefs would be respectful considering his personal schedule with fiancée Taylor Swift. "He has sort of a busy offseason coming up with his engagement and marriage, so we want to respectful and give him the time he needs to make a decision," Hunt said in January. "But we certainly hope that he’ll be back."The new league year begins on March 11, when free agency officially opens at 4 p.m. However, the legal tampering period will start at noon ET on March 9, when teams are allowed to agree to terms on free agent contracts with players. Kelce is not under contract with the Chiefs, which means the team would have to figure out a new deal for him if he wishes to return. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Retirement has been a conversation swirling around the future Hall of Fame tight end for some years now, but he has returned each time. He may have hinted at doing the same during a "New Heights" podcast episode where he discussed the team’s reunion with Eric Bieniemy, who will once again serve under head coach Andy Reid as offensive coordinator."I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man," Kelce said to his older brother, Jason. "He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy."Did Kelce mean he couldn’t wait to see Bieniemy actually inside the building working together, or on the outside looking in? It should come as no surprise, though, that the Chiefs would want their star tight end back in the building for one more ride, especially after a disappointing 2025 season that saw Patrick Mahomes suffer a torn ACL late in the season. General manager Brett Veach of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after finishing 6-11. Veach has more to worry about than Kelce this offseason, though, as Kansas City finds itself in intriguing, but unfamiliar territory with a top-10 NFL Draft pick (No. 9). Also, there's been speculation another reunion could be in the works, with Tyreek Hill being released by the Miami Dolphins. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Related Article Chiefs plan to talk with Travis Kelce after Super Bowl LX, hope he returns for 2026: report Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. Related Topics Kansas City ChiefsTravis KelceNFLSports Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!