Did Travis Kelce really consider playing for a team other than the Chiefs?

Conflicting reports recently emerged regarding whether or not tight end Travis Kelce could be willing to end his career with a team other than the Kansas City Chiefs. 

However, questions about his future seemed to be answered when Jesse Newell and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Monday that Kelce and the Chiefs "are working to finalize a one-year deal worth up to $15M."

Interestingly, that story also shared that "Kelce’s representatives explored the free-agency market with a few select teams." It sounds like the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer never came all that close to playing for a club other than the one that drafted him in 2013.

Did Travis Kelce leave money on the table to return to Chiefs? 

"He was expected to get significant, significant interest," NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said about Kelce on Monday, per Ryan Gaydos of Fox News Digital. "Likely, a deal that would have put him at the top of the tight end market. Based on the way he played last year, a Pro Bowler playing nearly on top of his game, that would make sense. That’s not really what Travis Kelce is about. It really isn’t. He is going to turn down more money to stay in Kansas City, to be loyal, to be with Patrick Mahomes, and to continue to have another shot at the Super Bowl."

Kelce led the Chiefs with 76 receptions, 108 targets and 851 receiving yards this past season. He and two others shared the team lead of five touchdown receptions, which he recorded over 17 games. 

Also on Monday, the Chiefs reportedly came to terms on a deal with Seattle Seahawks running back and Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III. Walker was viewed as the top ball-carrier available in free agency.

Chiefs were eager to bring Travis Kelce back for another season

"This is something the Chiefs were adamant about doing," Rapoport added about Kansas City re-signing Kelce. "They wanted this to happen. It was really just a matter of, would he get to free agency?"

Barring a surprising development, Kelce and the Chiefs will soon finalize an agreement that should allow him to eventually retire a one-club man.