Travis Kelce enters the 2026 NFL season as the Kansas City Chiefs’ primary tight end after signing a three-year contract structured to allow flexibility around potential retirement. At age 36 turning 37 in October, he posted 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 despite the team’s 6-11 finish. Kelce has expressed motivation to improve on last year’s output in receiving, blocking, and leadership while maintaining his role as a focal point in the passing attack alongside Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a prior knee injury but expected to start Week 1. Fantasy projections place him around 64 receptions, reflecting age-related decline from his peak but sustained target volume in an offense that has leaned on him heavily since 2022. Key variables include Mahomes’ full health, competition for targets from Rashee Rice and others, and any midseason injury or usage adjustments.