Kelce turns 37 in October, and after seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, he’s fallen narrowly short of that mark in each of the last three years. His role remains vital in Kansas City’s offense, but as he’s aged, his physical skills and talents have slowly begun to decline. Most recently, even his usually sure hands betrayed him in a few key moments, contributing to the greater disappointment that was the 2025 season.
It would be understandable if Kelce called it a career. He’s expanded his efforts beyond the football field and into entertainment, got engaged to fiancée Taylor Swift, and appeared to take an extra moment to soak in the aura of Arrowhead Stadium in the Chiefs’ final home game of the 2025 season, as if he knew it could be the last time he’d run out of the home tunnel. It’s also worth noting his older brother, Jason, retired after his age-36 season.
However, the Chiefs are clearly open to welcoming him back for one more go if he wants it. And after Kansas City ended 2025 in uncharacteristically disappointing fashion, it would make sense if Kelce wanted to run it back one final time.
The same isn’t as easy to envision for a former Chief who recently became available. Miami released receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, opening the door for talk of a potential reunion in Kansas City, home to a team that could use an addition at the position.
Hill’s potential is far from a sure thing, though. He turns 32 on March 1 and is still recovering from a gruesome knee injury suffered in late September that prematurely ended his season.
Understandably, Reid didn’t have much to contribute on the topic.
“Listen, we go through everything and everybody. That’s how (general manager) Brett (Veach) does,” Reid said. “I don’t even know if Tyreek is healthy right now to do anything. So I’m sure he’s working hard on that part of it and trying to get that part all straightened out. Listen, we talk about everything. There’s nothing happening there, but we know that you know — that he’s out there and cranking away, trying to get himself back to where he can play, period.”
With a civil suit alleging assault having been recently filed against Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, Kansas City could be in the market for a replacement, even if only on a short-term contract. On Friday, Reid noted Rice’s legal situation is in the hands of law enforcement, adding Rice’s current status is not affecting how the Chiefs approach the offseason.
Still, Hill could fill such a need if he can prove he’s healthy enough to play.
For now, though, Reid and the Chiefs aren’t offering much in the way of information. After all, they know a vague approach is best at this point in the offseason.