- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,144,913
- Reaction score
- 59
Though rumors swirled about a potential retirement, Travis Kelce is set to return to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026.
The 13-year veteran tight end initially signed a one-year extension earlier this month to remain with the team that drafted him four a 14th season, and on Monday, that deal was altered. Now, it's a three-year deal worth $54.7 million in total.
That gives Kelce's new deal an average annual value of more than $19 million, which would make him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. While that may raise some eyebrows, it seems unlikely Kelce will see the full value of that deal.
It's a backloaded contract that features just $12 million in guarantees. It also includes only $3 million in incentives for the 2026 season, leading to speculation that it could function as a one-year contract for the 36-year old. All of the money is tied up in the 2026 season, which would mean the Chiefs could move on from Kelce after one year without incurring an additional penalty.
Kelce, who turned in seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2016-22, is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he failed to reach 900 yards. Still, he managed 851 yards and five touchdowns on 76 catches while playing in every game for Kansas City, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Travis Kelce signed a 3-year deal to stay with Chiefs
Continue reading...
The 13-year veteran tight end initially signed a one-year extension earlier this month to remain with the team that drafted him four a 14th season, and on Monday, that deal was altered. Now, it's a three-year deal worth $54.7 million in total.
That gives Kelce's new deal an average annual value of more than $19 million, which would make him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. While that may raise some eyebrows, it seems unlikely Kelce will see the full value of that deal.
It's a backloaded contract that features just $12 million in guarantees. It also includes only $3 million in incentives for the 2026 season, leading to speculation that it could function as a one-year contract for the 36-year old. All of the money is tied up in the 2026 season, which would mean the Chiefs could move on from Kelce after one year without incurring an additional penalty.
Kelce, who turned in seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2016-22, is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he failed to reach 900 yards. Still, he managed 851 yards and five touchdowns on 76 catches while playing in every game for Kansas City, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Travis Kelce signed a 3-year deal to stay with Chiefs
Continue reading...
