Chiefs News: Is 2026 ‘The Last Dance’ for Travis Kelce?
There was a stretch of time earlier this offseason when it was unclear whether Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce would be returning to the field or retiring from the sport.
That has been cleared up since with a one-year deal, but it's hard to imagine the same scenario playing out next year. If the 2026 season already felt like the final chapter in Kelce's career, the team around him only added to that narrative with an Instagram post.
Travis Kelce's Longtime Trainer Drops Major Hint About His NFL Future | Sports Illustrated
It was Carter's message across the image, however, that immediately commanded attention.
Andrew and I started with Travis before his rookie year in the NFL," Carter wrote. Know the [GOAT] is preparing for THE LAST DANCE. Next stop Canton/HOF."
Kelce has not announced that the 2026 season will be his last. Still, the deliberate Last Dance" reference, coupled with Carter's mention of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, made the post difficult to dismiss as an ordinary training-camp tribute.
Chiefs to Host Training Camp Kingdom XP Video Gaming Pop-Up Event | The Mothership
Fans will have the opportunity to test their skills with five stations, including over 40 consoles featuring premier titles such asMadden, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros.,and others, along with two racing simulators, for a chance to compete for prizes. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to challenge gaming influencers, including Adrian Armour, BigCamIAm, The Epitome KC, Rhido, Equus, and Jay Todd Talks in 1-on-1Fortnitebattles.
Fans can access the Kingdom XP Video Gaming Pop Up with their training camp tickets, which are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visitwww.chiefs.com/trainingcamp.
In 2024, the Chiefs went 11-0 in games decided by seven points or less, counting playoffs, and 6-0 in games decided by three or less. They set an NFL record for consecutive wins in one-score games. Then, last season, their record was 1-9 in games decided by seven points or less and 1-6 when games were decided by three or less. While regression is a real thing, that big of a shift makes no logical sense.
Brashard Smith, a former wide receiver turned running back, might have the most to lose. He was the only holdover in a room that has been transformed under DeMarco Murray and Eric Bieniemy. Smith wastasked with adding strength this offseason, and the question remains whether the coaching staff envisions him as a running back with a defined role or a tweener stuck between a murky receiver competition and a fierce backfield battle.
Chiefs Rookie WR Put on Notice Ahead of Training Camp | Heavy Sports
Around the NFLDuring aJuly interview with 32BeatWriters, KSHB 41 Chiefs media member and producerNick Jacobswas very honest about what he saw from Caldwell this spring.
Caldwell hasn't really stood out yet," Jacobs began, putting the rookie on notice.
I mean heightwise, he's obviously the tallest receiver there," the KC reporter continued. He looks like a tight end in terms of height, but in terms of him kind of separating himself right now, that hasn't necessarily occurred."
John Harbaugh on Cam Skaettebo's botched backflip: Dude, at least stick it'
My reaction was - I haven't talked to him yet; I'm going to talk to him, I'm sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you're going to do it, you know?" Harbaugh said, chuckling. That was my first reaction."
It's easy for Harbaugh to make jokes after Skattebo came out of the flub unscathed. If an injury occurs during his next backward spin, it would be no laughing matter - something surely the coach will express when he does talk to the running back about the incident.
Dolphins, All-Pro LB Jordyn Brooks reach 3-year, $51.3M extension | ESPN
We're going to take a flier on Fulton, who was impressive under Jesse Minter with the Chargers in 2024 before earning atwo-year, $20 million dealwith the Chiefs in free agency. Injuries cost him most of his debut season in Kansas City, though it never seemed that he persuaded defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to give him more significant playing time. The Chiefs are rebuilding their cornerback room, but I'd expectMansoor Delane,L'Jarius SneedandNohl Williamsto be the top three options, opening up the opportunity to add Fulton or former Dolphins starterKader Kohouto this lineup.
Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero among ESPN layoffs in latest round of cuts: Sources | The Athletic
In case you missed it on Arrowhead PrideOn Monday,ESPN laid off NFL analyst Ryan Clarkas part of the cuts. ESPN declined further comment.
ESPN also severed ties with former NFL MVP Cam Newton, longtime SportsCenter stalwart David Lloyd, injury expert Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and talk show host Bart Scott, as well as NFL Network analyst Charles Davis. News of the Bell, Lloyd and Scott layoffs were first reported by Front Office Sports; Outkick initially mentioned the Newton decision.
Chiefs training camp preview: Who to consider for return specialist job
From The FeedFollow Arrowhead Pride on Social MediaEmmett Johnson
2024 NCAA return statistics
Kick returns/yards:3/24
Punt returns/yards:N/ADespite not being utilized at all as a kick returner in college, Johnson might be the frontrunner to win the job in 2026. Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toubhighlighted Johnson as a player to watch in the return gamelast month, saying that he was excited to see how Johnson fit in with the new kickoff rules in the NFL.
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