Travis Kelce has long been the cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, but following a tough Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, questions about his future with the team have emerged. The tight end, who has been a key player for over a decade, is coming off what might have been his worst season yet. With just 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns, Kelce’s performance fell short of expectations, and many are wondering if the 35-year-old has reached the end of his storied career.

Despite his lower production, Kelce has still set multiple records, including becoming the fastest tight end to reach 12,000 career yards and surpassing Tony Gonzalez as the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown leader. These accomplishments suggest Kelce still has something left to give, but his role with the Chiefs could be changing.

Reports following the Chiefs’ crushing 40-22 Super Bowl loss reveal that head coach Andy Reid is already looking ahead to Kelce’s future with the team, with plans for a shift in his role. According to Nate Taylor of The Fan 96.5, the Chiefs are hoping Kelce will return for the final year of his contract, but in a reduced role. Rather than being the focal point of the offense, Kelce would serve as a situational playmaker and a mentor to the next generation of tight ends. This transition would mark the beginning of a new era for the Chiefs’ offense, gradually moving away from Kelce as the go-to weapon and allowing younger players to step into more prominent roles.

Kelce’s new role would likely include fewer targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, as the team transitions to a younger tight end core. The Chiefs have already made moves to bolster their future by acquiring 25-year-old Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys. Along with Hendershot, younger players like Noah Gray and Anthony Fereir could fill the void left by Kelce, should he decide to retire.

Kelce has a deadline to make his decision, as he has until March 14, 2025, to either accept the Chiefs’ offer to return or retire. This date coincides with a $11.5 million roster bonus deadline. If he decides to stay, he’ll continue in his role as a trusted veteran leader on the team. However, if he chooses to retire, the Chiefs will officially enter a new era at the tight end position.

While Kelce’s future with the Chiefs remains uncertain, his personal life has been thriving. Recently, Kelce and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, were spotted in Kansas City following the Super Bowl, enjoying a quiet, intimate evening together. The couple appeared to be in high spirits, with Kelce looking relaxed in a white jersey and black hat, while Swift opted for a black leather fur coat. Witnesses noted that the couple was engaged in deep conversation, sharing funny stories about the NFL season and reminiscing about Taylor’s support for Travis during the year.

Despite the challenges the Chiefs faced in the Super Bowl, Kelce’s relationship with Taylor seems unaffected. Sources close to the couple say that while their relationship has faced some bumps due to the Super Bowl loss, they continue to be strong and happy together. Travis, known for his dominant on-field persona, appeared softer and more gentle in Taylor’s company, further endearing him to fans.

After dinner, the couple made their way back to their Kansas City mansion, quietly enjoying each other’s company. For fans, this public appearance offers reassurance that, despite the difficulties in the aftermath of the Super Bowl loss, Travis and Taylor are still going strong.

As Travis Kelce faces a critical decision regarding his future in the NFL, one thing is clear: no matter what path he chooses, his strong support system—both on and off the field—will remain a key part of his journey. Whether he stays with the Chiefs in a reduced role or retires to begin a new chapter, it’s evident that his bond with Taylor Swift is as solid as ever. Fans can only hope that this next chapter brings happiness and success, both for Kelce and his relationship with Taylor.