Travis Kelce is returning to the Chiefs or retiring. Mike Evans' future in Tampa Bay uncertain

Kelce is scheduled to become a free agent next month. A person with knowledge of Kelce’s thinking told The Associated Press the four-time All-Pro tight end will not test the market. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because free agency hasn’t started. If the 36-year-old Kelce returns for a 14th season, it’ll be in Kansas City with coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs, of course, want him back.

“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario,” GM Brett Veach said. “Coach had mentioned on Friday (that) he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (assistant general manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew, we’ve had some good dialogue there. I’m sure we’re going to see him here just like we will all the other players’ agents and we’ll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”

Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season when Kansas City’s run of dominance in the AFC West ended. The Chiefs have reached the Super Bowl five times in the past seven seasons, winning three.

“It’s not your typical — hey, 27-year-old first time in free agency,” Veach said. “Travis has done everything, he’s accomplished everything — he’s about to get married, he’s got a lot going on. So, I don’t think there’s an element of us not trying to — you need some sort of deadline (or) timeline but at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce so we’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. I think we’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”

Evans is planning to play a 13th season but it may not be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver had his streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons end when he missed nine games because of injuries.

“I love Mike, and we’d love to have Mike back,” general manager Jason Licht said. “And he’s earned the right to (test free agency) with his resume. Mike, as a person, what he’s meant to this entire community, the fan base, all of us, I could go on and on, which we have, he’s earned that right. We’d love to have Mike back. We’re just seeing how the process goes.”

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL