Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has offered a positive update on the future of Travis Kelce, suggesting the tight end is leaning towards returning for a 14th NFL season.
Reid appeared in good spirits regarding the 36-year-old’s status during a press conference ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.
The veteran coach indicated that ongoing discussions point toward Kelce delaying retirement for at least one more campaign.
“There is communication, that is the main thing,” said Reid.
“As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move forward and I think that’s where Travis is.”
Decision expected before free agency
Kelce had previously stated he would determine his playing future by early March, prior to the start of the NFL free agency period.
Despite the Chiefs’ season ending six weeks ago, the growing sentiment within the organisation is that the star pass-catcher will remain in Missouri.
“I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here,” Reid added.
“He has been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward, but we’re proceeding with that.”
Even in his 13th season, the tight end remained the focal point of the Kansas City offence, leading the team with 76 receptions and 851 yards.
Reunion with Bieniemy
A potential return would see Kelce reunited with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who re-joined the coaching staff last month.
The four-time All-Pro has publicly praised the appointment, acknowledging his best statistical years came under Bieniemy’s previous tenure between 2018 and 2022.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building,” Kelce said on his podcast.
“He is one of my favourite coaches of all time and I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player.”
Mahomes making progress
While Kelce weighs his options, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is continuing his rehabilitation from significant knee surgery.
The two-time NFL MVP has spent the last two months recovering from procedures to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.
Reid confirmed that the quarterback is working diligently with athletic trainer Julie Frymyer.
“He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day,” Reid said.
“He is in there cranking away and making progress every day.”
Curt Cignetti has finalised a new contract with Indiana worth an average of $13.2m (£10.4m) per season after leading the school to the national title.
New deal rewards historic success
The agreement keeps the 64-year-old at the university through the 2033 season and cements his status among college football’s highest earners.
His annual salary rises from $11.6m to $13.2m, placing him alongside Georgia’s Kirby Smart and LSU’s Lane Kiffin as the only coaches earning at least $13m nationally.
Indiana had previously announced a new deal in October, but a specific clause prompted a review following their post-season success.
Terms in the contract mandated a salary adjustment if the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.
The team triggered this clause by defeating Alabama in the Rose Bowl on 1 January.
Under the agreement, the salary had to be adjusted to rank no lower than third among active head coaches.
Transforming the programme
The veteran tactician has revitalised the team since arriving in late 2023, boasting a remarkable 27-2 record.
He guided the Hoosiers to their first national title in 2025 and secured their first outright Big Ten title since 1945.
His contract has now been revised three times in just two seasons, reflecting the rapid ascent of the programme under his stewardship.
Having previously stated his intention to retire at the school, the Indiana boss reaffirmed his commitment to the Bloomington side.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be a Hoosier,” Cignetti said.
“The way that this state has embraced us and our success in football has meant more to me than anything else.”
Staff retention remains priority
The revised contract includes a $15m buyout clause should Cignetti leave for another position.
Indiana has also moved to secure key backroom staff, awarding multi-year deals to offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines.
Haines was recently recognised with the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Athletic director Scott Dolson emphasised that retaining staff and building resources remained “Priority 1” alongside securing his head coach’s future.
The Chicago Bears’ potential move to Indiana has taken a significant step forward after state lawmakers unanimously advanced legislation to facilitate a new stadium in Hammond.
Legislative breakthrough
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 on Thursday to approve an amendment to State Bill 27.
This legislation paves the way for the creation of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
The new body would hold the power to issue bonds, acquire land, and finance construction near Wolf Lake.
The proposed site in Hammond is located approximately 25 minutes south of the franchise’s current home at Soldier Field.
‘Most meaningful step forward’
The NFC North side described the legislative move as a pivotal moment in their search for a state-of-the-art venue.
In a statement, the organisation confirmed their commitment to exploring the cross-border option.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” the team stated.
“We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.”
The club also praised local leadership for establishing a “critical framework” for negotiations.
Tax disputes stall Illinois plans
This development comes as the 1985 Super Bowl winners face continued hurdles securing public funding in their home state.
Negotiations over property tax assessments and infrastructure funding have stalled progress in Illinois.
The franchise had previously pledged $2bn (£1.56bn) towards construction but sought an estimated $850m in public funds for infrastructure improvements.
Those disputes have left the team’s purchase of a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights in limbo.
‘Open for business’
Indiana Governor Mike Braun took to social media to celebrate the committee’s decision.
He highlighted the state’s “speed of business” and the potential economic impact for the region.
“We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership,” Braun wrote.
“[This leads] to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend alleging he repeatedly assaulted her over an 18-month period.
Allegations of physical abuse
Dacoda Jones filed the suit in Texas on Monday, seeking more than $1m in damages for alleged incidents occurring between 2023 and 2025.
Jones claims the NFL player exhibited a history of abusive behaviour in both Texas and Missouri, stating she was pregnant during several of the alleged assaults.
The filing accuses Rice of strangulation in December 2023 and details various forms of physical violence.
“Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects,” the lawsuit states.
It is further alleged that the 24-year-old punched walls, destroyed furniture and locked Jones out of their shared apartment at night.
Jones is claiming damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and medical care costs.
NFL and team response
The Super Bowl champions confirmed they are aware of the legal filing and are communicating with the league office.
“The matter remains under review,” the NFL stated on Wednesday.
League officials had previously indicated they would investigate claims after Jones posted photos of alleged injuries on social media last month.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Jones wrote: “I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image.”
Representatives for Rice have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Previous legal issues
This lawsuit adds to significant off-field legal trouble for the former SMU standout.
Rice pleaded guilty in 2025 to felony collision charges following a high-speed multi-car crash in Dallas the previous year.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after admitting to driving at 119mph before the collision.
The wide receiver served a six-game suspension last season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy regarding that incident.
The Seattle Seahawks have been officially put up for sale by the estate of late owner Paul Allen, shortly after the franchise secured its second Super Bowl title.
Allen’s estate confirmed on Wednesday that the formal process to sell the NFL team has commenced.
The decision aligns with the Microsoft co-founder’s long-standing directive to eventually divest his sports holdings to fund charitable causes.
Sale process underway
Investment bank Allen & Company has been retained to lead the transaction alongside law firm Latham & Watkins.
Negotiations are estimated to continue throughout the offseason as prospective buyers submit bids.
Any final purchase agreement will require formal ratification by fellow NFL owners before the transfer of power is complete.
A philanthropic legacy
The NFC West club has been under the stewardship of the Allen family since 1997.
Paul Allen originally purchased the team for $194m (£153m) from Ken Behring, a move that prevented a potential relocation.
Following his death in 2018 from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ownership duties were assumed by his sister, Jody.
Proceeds from the impending sale will be directed entirely toward philanthropy, consistent with the late owner’s estate planning.
This move follows a similar strategy with the estate’s other assets.
In September, an agreement was reached to sell the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers to an investment group led by Tom Dundon.
The Kansas City Chiefs have cleared more than $43m in salary cap space by restructuring the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes ahead of the 2026 season.
The transaction converts $54.45m of the two-time MVP’s salary into a signing bonus to provide immediate financial relief.
It significantly lowers his salary cap number for the upcoming campaign to $34.65m, down from a projected $78.2m.
Easing financial pressure
Kansas City faced a difficult financial outlook entering the offseason, sitting more than $57m over the league’s salary cap.
This maneuvering allows the front office to begin balancing the books following a rare season of struggle.
The franchise missed the postseason entirely in 2025, a stark contrast to their previous dominance.
That failure ended a run which saw the AFC West side reach the Super Bowl in three consecutive years.
Mahomes targeting season opener
While the team addresses its finances, their star quarterback remains focused on rehabilitating a serious injury.
Mahomes underwent surgery in mid-December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee.
The playmaker stated last month that he intends to be fully fit for the Chiefs’ 2026 season opener.
The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to place the franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, paving the way for the running back to enter free agency.
League sources indicate the franchise will likely bypass the tag option before the 3 March deadline.
Financial constraints associated with salary cap costs have reportedly made the move unfeasible for the reigning champions.
General manager John Schneider is instead prioritizing the retention of other free agents and a contract extension for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Super Bowl hero set for market
Walker is poised to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time following the expiration of his rookie deal.
Applying the tag to the running back would have cost Seattle approximately $14.5m, a significant leap from his previous salary cap hit of under $2.7m.
The 24-year-old delivered a masterful performance in Super Bowl 60, rushing for 135 yards in the 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
His efforts saw him become the first running back to claim the game’s MVP award since Terrell Davis achieved the feat in the 1997 season.
Postseason dominance
During the regular campaign, the former Michigan State standout recorded 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns while sharing duties with Zach Charbonnet.
However, a significant ACL injury to Charbonnet in the divisional round thrust Walker into a primary role.
He responded by leading all postseason players with 417 scrimmage yards, proving pivotal in Seattle’s title run.
Schneider has historically been reluctant to utilise the franchise tag, deploying the mechanism just twice during his 16-season tenure.
The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Tyreek Hill weeks before the start of free agency as the franchise begins a major rebuilding phase under new management.
The move comes just 18 months after the explosive playmaker agreed to a restructured contract with the AFC East side.
Hill was released early on President’s Day 2026, well ahead of the official start of free agency on 11 March.
It marks a significant shift for the franchise following consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
Injury struggles and salary cap constraints
While the 31-year-old was previously the cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offense, his recent production has dipped significantly.
The veteran receiver failed to reach 1,000 yards in 2023 and missed the majority of the 2024 campaign after suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL.
Despite these injury setbacks, the former Kansas City Chiefs star still carried a substantial salary cap hit of $51.1m (£39.5m) for the upcoming season.
By cutting ties now, Miami’s front office has made a decisive move to alleviate financial pressure ahead of the NFL Combine.
A change in philosophy under new leadership
The decision underscores a distinct change in strategy under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.
Sullivan is understood to prioritize building through the NFL Draft rather than relying on expensive veteran acquisitions that limit roster flexibility.
Hill’s release was one of four roster cuts made on Monday, saving the organisation nearly $70m in total cap space.
The departure of the five-time first-team All-Pro officially ends an era that began with high expectations but concluded with the team looking firmly toward a long-term remodel.