Travis Kelce has revealed he expects to reach a decision on his NFL future by early March, ahead of the free agency period, following Kansas City's 14-12 defeat to Las Vegas on Sunday.
The veteran tight end remains uncertain whether he will suit up for a 14th campaign with the Chiefs or bring his illustrious career to a close.
"Who knows? Either it hits me quick or I've got to take some time," Kelce said.
"Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one [year] a shot. We'll see."
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The 2025 season marked the final year of his contract with Kansas City.
Following the final whistle at Allegiant Stadium, a procession of teammates approached Kelce in the visitors' changing room to embrace him and offer their gratitude.
Quarterback Chris Oladokun, rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald and pass rusher Chris Jones were among those who sought out the tight end.
Travis Kelce has revealed he expects to reach a decision on his NFL future by early March, ahead of the free agency period, following Kansas City's 14-12 defeat to Las Vegas on Sunday
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"I just love this team," Kelce said with a smile.
"I'm proud of the way we finished this, even though it ended the way it did. The guys still showed up and gave it their all. That's all you can ask for, man."
The 13-year veteran spoke of his deep affection for the organisation and confirmed he would attend exit meetings on Monday before spending time with family to consider his options.
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Kansas City endured a frustrating campaign, finishing with a 6-11 record that represented their poorest showing under head coach Andy Reid.
"We obviously didn't do well as a team, but I felt like I came into the season prepared and ready to rock and roll with the right intentions," Kelce said.
"The ball just didn't go our way in a lot of those close games, unfortunately."
Nevertheless, the tight end reached several remarkable landmarks during the season. He established a new franchise touchdown record with his 84th career score in November.
On Sunday, Kelce became only the third tight end in league history to amass 13,000 receiving yards, achieving the feat in just 192 matches — the quickest ever.
His second catch of the game also saw him overtake Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens for eighth place on the all-time receptions list with 1,079.
Travis Kelce might be about to hang up his boots on an incredible career | PAChris Jones, who has played alongside Kelce in five of the past six Super Bowls during his decade with the franchise, expressed firm belief that his teammate would be back.
"He'll be back next year," Jones said.
"I've got faith in my dawg coming back. He brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion to the game.
"He's one of the best tight ends to ever play the game, if not the best tight end to ever play the game."
Kelce earned a base salary of $4.5million this season alongside a roster bonus of $12.5m. When asked whether he would accept similar terms or reduced wages for 2026, he declined to elaborate.
"That's all down the road," he said. "I think I've still got to make that decision first to even feel what kind of importance that means to me."