Is everyone too low on Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce?

Travis Kelce is preparing for his 14th NFL season, and everyone seems to be forgetting how great the Kansas City Chiefs tight end remains. The Chiefs are aiming for a bounce-back campaign after missing the playoffs in 2025. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is healthy again, and Kelce’s importance is greater than ever for head coach Andy Reid’s squad. MORE: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky calls Cowboys’ Von Miller signing ‘meaningful’ There has been speculation recently about Kelce and how much he wants to play considering his new marriage to Taylor Swift over the summer. Meanwhile, recent photos of the Chiefs star show that he may have put on a few pounds since getting married. The reality is that none of that matters when Kelce steps on a football field because of the resume he has put together. Kelce, who turns 37 on Oct. 5, is an all-time great, and his value to Kansas City is still immense heading into the 2026 season. MORE: Dave Portnoy ranks his top 10 NFL QBs ahead of the 2026-27 season Kelce’s value in KC is still high Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the pre season game. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Mahomes’ go-to receiver has been Kelce for the better part of a decade, and that likely won’t change this season. The Chiefs aren’t exactly loaded at receiver, especially considering Rashee Rice is coming off an injury and serving jail time. That only leaves Xavier Worthy and a host of younger weapons looking to prove themselves. Kelce remains the most valuable piece to Mahomes’ offense because he’s often the first target when things go wrong. Kansas City plays its best football when Kelce and Mahomes are on the same wavelength. Kelce’s production remains at a high as well after putting up 11.2 yards per catch last season, though his reception total (76) was his lowest since 2015. He also managed 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025, well below his peak seasons. MORE: Breece Hall suffers non-contact injury at Jets practice The Chiefs play in a highly competitive division with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. That requires a lot of games that could turn into shootouts, and Kelce’s going to have to catch passes. The honeymoon for Swift and her new husband might be ongoing, but Kelce’s locked in for September and the coming months of football. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —