The Kansas City Chiefs released their 2026 schedule on May 14. Recently, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid appeared on Friday’s episode of ESPN's The Rich Eisen Show, where he spoke about the upcoming season and the schedule. 

Eisen asked Reid why Kelce chose to return for another season.

“I think he loves the game. He still can play, and so those things help, but he surely didn't want to leave during the year that we had. I mean, he made that clear right after the season, Reid said.

He added, "so he wanted to come back, and we had to redo the contract, and that part worked out. Looking forward to having him here.”

Reid also stated that he and Kelce spoke the day after the season ended, with the veteran tight end making it clear that he wanted to return if both sides could work things out.

The Chiefs coach praised Kelce’s energy and competitiveness, joking that he is not even sure he had that kind of energy at the same age.

Earlier this year, media reports questioned Kelce’s future in Kansas City. The concerns followed the Chiefs’ 6-11 season in 2025, along with Kelce entering the final year of his contract at age 36 and preparing for his marriage to Taylor Swift.

However, those questions were settled in March when Kelce signed a one-year, $12 million deal to remain with the team.

With the schedule already released, Reid will now focus on leading the Chiefs back into title contention alongside Travis Kelce, who is entering his 14th NFL season. 

Andy Reid Discusses Patrick Mahomes After Schedule Release

Kelce’s return provides a significant boost for 2026, HC Reid faces several important decisions as the Chiefs look to bounce back. Focus now shifts to Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury.

During the interview, Rich Eisen asked Andy Reid when Patrick Mahomes could return as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Reid avoided putting a timeline on it and said he does not pay much attention to people claiming Mahomes is “ahead of schedule,” adding that every recovery process is different.

He explained that Mahomes has been at the team facility and continues to improve daily.

While discussing the NFL scheduling the Chiefs against the Denver Broncos in Week 1 on Monday Night Football, Reid stopped short of guaranteeing Mahomes would play in the opener. He said the team will continue to handle things on a day-to-day basis.

What are your thoughts on what Reid said? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey