Chiefs GM sends strong message on future of two stars-but what about Travis Kelce?

Kelce’s future is still up in the air

Kelce is expected to announce his decision soonLAPRESSE

While most NFL teams scramble to finalize their rosters for 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be playing a different game entirely. Instead of focusing solely on immediate concerns, General Manager Brett Veach is taking a long-term approach, setting the stage for what could be a crucial offseason for the franchise.

But while discussions are already underway regarding extensions for two key defensive players, one major question still looms over the team’s future-one that involves one of the franchise’s biggest stars.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spark rumors in resurfaced club video

The Chiefs are already making moves to secure their core for the future, and two names have emerged at the top of their priority list: cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis. Both players, drafted in 2022, have quickly become foundational pieces of Kansas City’s defense, making their contract status a hot topic of discussion.

Veach recently addressed the situation, revealing that securing new deals for McDuffie and Karlaftis is on the team’s agenda. “That’ll be on the list of things to do,” he said, noting that the front office will first work through free agency before shifting focus to contract extensions later in the offseason. If everything goes as planned, negotiations could ramp up following the NFL Draft.

However, there’s an added layer of urgency. With their rookie contracts set to expire after the 2025 season, Kansas City will need to decide whether to exercise their fifth-year options by May 1. The price tag won’t be cheap-those options are projected to cost the Chiefs nearly $28 million combined in 2026, putting additional pressure on the team to explore long-term deals sooner rather than later.

But while McDuffie and Karlaftis remain at the center of Kansas City’s long-term planning, there’s another contract situation that fans can’t ignore-one that could have a massive impact on the team’s immediate future.

Even as the Chiefs work to lock in key pieces of their defense, the biggest storyline remains unresolved. Travis Kelce’s future has been a topic of speculation for months, and while the star tight end hasn’t made any official announcements, all signs indicate that the Chiefs are expecting him back for another season.

Veach recently provided insight into Kelce’s status, stating that the veteran remains fully engaged. “How we left it at the end of the season is that he was fired up,” Veach said. “I still think he has that fire and desire to play.” The GM added that, as of now, there’s no specific deadline for Kelce to make a final decision.

At 35 years old, Kelce is at a crossroads. Retirement rumors have swirled, especially given his increasing presence outside of football. Between a booming media career, a popular podcast, and his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, the future Hall of Famer has plenty of options beyond the field. But despite these distractions, Kelce hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, and the Chiefs are preparing as if he’ll be part of their plans in 2024.

One key factor? Kelce is due an $11.5 million roster bonus on March 15, meaning a decision will likely be made before then. Head coach Andy Reid, for his part, has encouraged Kelce to take time before making a commitment. “That’s up to Travis,” Reid said. “At this point, get out of town and relax. They’ve played a lot of games over the years. You get to the end, and you’ve exhausted yourself mentally and physically.”

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Despite falling short in their quest for a third straight Super Bowl, the Chiefs remain in position to contend next season. With McDuffie and Karlaftis emerging as future defensive anchors and Kelce seemingly prepared for another run, Kansas City’s blueprint for sustained success appears to be taking shape.

But as history has shown, nothing in the NFL is guaranteed-and until Kelce officially makes his decision, the Chiefs’ biggest offseason storyline remains far from settled.