Mike Tannenbaum's Blunt Call on Travis Kelce's Future in Kansas City
Travis Kelce's next contract was always destined to stir deep emotions in Kansas City. However, former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum has stripped away that sentiment with a stark, national television declaration. On a recent episode of ESPN's "Get Up," Tannenbaum asserted that the Kansas City Chiefs should not bring Kelce back in 2026, even as the future Hall of Famer contemplates his decision and reports indicate active negotiations for a new deal.
Tannenbaum's Unflinching Stance on Kelce's Role
When asked directly whether the Chiefs should retain Kelce, Tannenbaum did not mince words. "I wouldn't do it," he stated on ESPN. "When you're in the front office, and you're a head coach, you have to make the honest and sober observation that you want to pay a player for what they're going to do, not what they've done. He is slowing down."
He pushed this argument further, urging Kansas City to abandon sentimentality and focus on succession planning. "If I'm Kansas City, go get the next guy," Tannenbaum advised. "Honor Kelce for what he's done but go and get the next young tight end. Then go and tackle these other needs in offensive tackle, running back and receiver."
Reactions and Context to Tannenbaum's Comments
Sitting across from Tannenbaum, Super Bowl champion Jason McCourty appeared visibly stunned on set, a reaction that mirrored the broader league's response as the clip circulated on social media. Many perceived Tannenbaum's remarks as cold, front-office logic targeting a player who has been central to the Chiefs' dynasty. Yet, the context is undeniable: Kelce is 36 years old and recently completed a two-year, $34.25 million deal that briefly made him the NFL's highest-paid tight end.
The Chiefs' 2025 season adds weight to this discussion. They finished with a 6-11 record, their first losing season since 2012, missed the playoffs, and saw star quarterback Patrick Mahomes sidelined with a late-season knee injury. Additionally, the team faces challenges at wide receiver and running back while managing a tight salary cap.
Numbers and Pushback Against Tannenbaum's Take
Tannenbaum's argument heavily relies on age and future projections, but the statistics from 2025 present a more nuanced picture. Kelce ended the season with:
- 76 catches
- 851 receiving yards
- 5 touchdowns
While this marks a decline from his streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, it still positioned him among the elite tight ends, ranking in the top six for receptions and top four for receiving yards at his position. He led the Chiefs in targets, catches, and receiving yards, tying with Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice for the team lead in touchdown catches.
This performance has fueled pushback against Tannenbaum's stance. Fans have voiced opposition, and current Chiefs star Chris Jones publicly rejected the idea of simply moving on from Kelce as if he were an aging role player. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has reported that Kansas City and Kelce are engaged in contract discussions, noting, "it seems like this is trending toward Travis coming back and playing for Kansas City, but nothing is done until it's done."
Precedent and Market Projections for Kelce's Deal
There is historical precedent for veteran tight ends remaining productive on smaller contracts. For instance, Tony Gonzalez signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons at age 37, a figure that would align with top-market money when adjusted for today's salary cap. Current projections suggest Kelce's next contract could strike a balance between legacy compensation and a hometown discount, with one market estimate around $10.8 million for a one-year agreement.
Tannenbaum has been explicit in his recommendation: he wants the Chiefs to allocate that financial and draft capital toward acquiring a younger tight end. He pointed to players like Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and Sam LaPorta as ideal archetypes, along with prospects such as Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, and Michael Trigg in the upcoming draft class. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are navigating the delicate balance between honoring a franchise legend and making tough cap decisions following a disappointing 6-11 season.
The Central Question for Kansas City's Future
Kelce's impending decision and the front office's response will ultimately answer a fundamental question that Tannenbaum has thrust into the spotlight: in 2026, is Travis Kelce still the driving force of Kansas City's passing game, or is he merely a bridge to the next generation? This debate underscores the complex interplay between loyalty, performance, and strategic planning in professional sports.
