“He’ll be back next year”: Chris Jones shuts down Travis Kelce retirement talk after Raiders loss

Travis Kelce’s future became a central talking point as the Kansas City Chiefs closed their 2025 regular season. Week 18 clash against the Raiders only ignites fuel to ongoing retirement speculation surrounding the veteran tight end.

But in the Chiefs' locker room, the mood felt different. On top of that, DL Chris Jones shared a clear and confident stance on Travis Kelce's retirement, almost shutting down all claims that Kelce is nearing the end of his career.

Chris Jones expresses confidence in Kelce’s return

Chris Jones joined reporters during his post-game press meet on January 4, 2026, following the Chiefs’ loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. When asked about Kelce’s future, Jones left little room for doubt.

“I’m not buying it, he’ll be back next year,” Jones said during the press conference. “I can’t promise you anything about another man. This was a tricky year for us. I have faith in my dawg coming back.”


In a stunning move, Kelce finished the game with three catches for 12 yards. The most notable moment came when TK made an elite move that stamped his name in the books. The star TE became the fastest TE in NFL history to reach 13,000 receiving yards. He also tied the league record for the most consecutive seasons with at least 75 receptions.

The season tested the Red Army in plenty of ways. Injuries disrupted the rhythm, particularly after Patrick Mahomes injured his knee and required surgery, and the offense struggled for consistency at times. Those reasons led many to question whether Kelce, now 36, might consider stepping away. Jones’s comments reflected the team's belief that this chapter is not over yet.

Milestone performances underline long-standing Chiefs partnership

Jones also had plenty to reflect on himself. Entering Week 18, he sat tied with Neil Smith for third place on the Chiefs’ all-time sacks list. His two-sack performance against Las Vegas moved him ahead of Smith and placed him alone behind only Derrick Thomas and Tamba Hali in franchise history.

That clash moved Jones up to 65th on the NFL’s list for most career sacks. Just like Kelce, he made it to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games - proof of how the Chiefs' vet players keep shaping outcomes.

Jones and Kelce have been with the Chiefs since 2016. They have played key roles in KC's championship runs and sustained success. The duo shows the stability the franchise has relied on for nearly a decade.

For now, the message from KC feels steady. Travis Kelce’s journey does not appear finished yet.

Also Read: She feels exposed”: Taylor Swift reportedly shaken and uncomfortable by Travis Kelce’s controversial confession ahead of their wedding.