Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs have allegedly agreed to a new two-year extension through the 2027 season, making him the highest-paid tight end in league. The exact amounts have not been revealed, but Kelce, 24, made $14 million in 2023 after signing a four-year, $57 million contract before Week 1.
Kelce’s friend and Super Bowl LVIII adversary, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, now holds the highest deal of any tight end, worth $75 million. However, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller has the highest average annual pay of $17 million, while Minnesota’s TJ Hockenson has the most guaranteed money in his contract at $40 million.
The revelation was initially reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, although the team has yet to confirm it. However, the Chiefs did post on X, declaring: ‘We signed the greatest tight end ever to a new contract.’ Kelce responded to the news in a social media video.
‘Back at it again, baby,’ he told the camera while gesturing to his Super Bowl LVIII hat. ‘Had to see a little Super Bowl right here man. ‘Feels good to be in KC. I remember coming here 12 years ago, man. It’s an honor and a pleasure and I can’t wait to get after it these next two years. No better than right now. Getting fired up for this year. Just got out on the field with the boys, we’re back at it baby.’
Patrick Mahomes, Kelce’s teammate, also expressed his enthusiasm for the trade on X. ‘I told you I would never let him leave!! Congratulations, my guy! @tkelce.’ Kelce has already earned $89 million in NFL salaries after a 12 seasons with the Chiefs.
Already a pitchman for Pfizer, Amazon, Nike, and L’Homme Helzberg Diamonds, the Kansas City Chiefs star and three-time Super Bowl champion is reportedly receiving proposals from 50 firms, according to an insider who spoke with The US Sun in February.
Calvin Klein is apparently offering Kelce a three-year contract for both local and international ads, and Toyota is reportedly offering a $1.5 million agreement. Kelce’s contract extension represents a significant shift from November, when he informed his brother Jason on their podcast that he was considering retirement.
‘That’s the only thing I’ve never been upfront about, the discomfort,’ Travis informed Jason, who would retire at the end of the season. The pain. The lingering injuries – the ten operations I’ve had, each of which I can still feel today.
‘The operations take their toll, man,’ he added. They take a toll. I was unfortunate to have knee surgery, but I am fortunate that I have not had any troubles with that situation since.
Kelce underwent operations to rehabilitate his ailing knee in 2013 and another on his shoulder in 2017. He’s also dealt with neck stingers, concussions, and a variety of pulled muscles.
