1 key decision could drastically impact Chiefs' 2026 season

The Kansas City Chiefs have already gone through some changes this offseason, with Matt Nagy out as offensive coordinator and Eric Bieniemy coming back.

Plus, we aren't sure if Steve Spagnuolo will return as defensive coordinator either. 

But then we look at the roster, and there is one glaring question mark -- what will Travis Kelce do?

The future Hall of Famer has been toying with retirement for the past 12 months, and we eagerly await his decision, whether or not he returns for a 14th season.

And for NFL.com's Eric Edholm, Kelce's decision will have a huge impact on the Chiefs' 2026 outlook.

"No one would be shocked if he walked away, with a successful podcast empire in his hands," Edholm wrote. "But we’re still talking about a guy who led the team in receiving at age 36, so returning would give the Chiefs a boost. This decision will have a major impact on the team's 2026 outlook."

More: Christian McCaffery hints at 49ers reunion with All-Pro WR

How will Kelce decision impact Chiefs?

Well, the big one is if Kelce does retire, the Chiefs have to search for his replacement.

And looking at his stats from 2025, he was still Kansas City's best offensive weapon, so that tells you a lot about the players behind him. He won't be easily replaced.

Plus, the leadership side of it, too, especially in the offseason, helping push his teammates. Then, in crunch situations in the regular season, Patrick Mahomes often looks No. 87's way, and if he isn't there, someone else has to step up.

So, there are a lot of things that will change if Kelce hangs up the cleats in 2026, which is why it might be important to the Chiefs if he does go around one more year.

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