Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce became the NFL’s highest-paid tight end on Monday, agreeing to a two-year deal, per NFL Networks Ian Rapoport.
“No more Champagne Problems: The #Chiefs and All-Pro and Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce have agreed to terms on a new 2-year contract extension to make him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, sources say,” Rapoport reported on X on April 29. “The deal was done by his long-time agent Mike Simon, now with @milkhoneysport.”
“#Chiefs star Travis Kelce’s contract extension tacks on two years and $34.25 million to the two years remaining on his old deal, per sources,” NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero reported.
“Kelce now has guaranteed money in 2024, with additional money vesting year-by-year. He’s signed through 2027, when he’ll be 38.”
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Travis Kelce’s Contract Extension
Patrick Mahomes ‘Told Ya’ll’ About Travis Kelce’s Extension
Kelce’s Super Bowl teammate was also his greatest champion apparently.
“I told yall I’ll never let him leave!! Congrats my guy!” Patrick Mahomes posted, quoting Rapoport and tagging Kelce.
Kelce, 34, was on a four-year, $57.2 million contract. The current top spot is San Francisco 49ers star Geroge Kittle with $75 million over five years.
Kelceentered the league as a third-round pick (No. 63 overall) by the Chiefs out of Cincinnati in 2013. He was already on his way to establishing himself as one of the game’s best tight ends before Mahomes took over in 2018. Kelce had 307 receptions, 3,900 yards, and 22 touchdowns in his first four seasons.
That came with him missing most of his rookie season with an ankle injury.
I told yall I’ll never let him leave!! Congrats my guy! @tkelce https://t.co/9sqkZY8mU8
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 29, 2024
Mahomes and Kelce became the most accomplished duo, setting the record for playoff touchdowns this season. Kelce has 600 grabs, 7,428 yards, and 52 touchdowns since Mahomes took over full-time in 2018. There are seven other tight ends in NFL history with that kind of production in their careers. Two of them – former Chief Tony Gonzales and Ex-Denver Bronco Shannon Sharpe – are Hall-of-Famers.
Chiefs Locked Up Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach
The 2023 season was a trying one for Kelce, whose stardom rose because of his love life while he dealt with injuries, experienced an unusual amount of inconsistency in his play, and even blew up at his coach on the sidelines of the Super Bowl.
Kelce took responsibility for his actions and there appear to be no hard feelings.
Kelce’s pact must have had Reid’s blessing, with the head coach agreeing to a contract extension of his own.
“Coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and president Mark Donovan have had oversight of the Kansas City Chiefs for the most successful run in franchise history. The trio will remain in place for awhile longer,” ESPN’s Adam Teicher wrote on April 22. “The three agreed to contract extensions that will keep them with the Chiefs.”
Chiefs Land Explosive Potential Replacement for Rashee Rice
Xavier Worthy highlights! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/itD7eOyuUm
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) April 29, 2024
Chiefs Kingdom awaits the final ruling on Rashee Rice amid the investigation resulting from a crash he was involved in in Dallas, Texas. But the front office did well to identify a playmaker who could help take some of the pressure off in Rice’s anticipated absence.
Texas’ Xavier Worthy ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the combine and can take the top off a defense.
The Chiefs have to hope he can contribute at this level sooner rather than later.
Their struggles at wide receiver to start last season were well-documented and discussed. Rice was instrumental in shifting the narrative, though they still led the NFL in drops as a team last season.
Former Baltimore Ravens first-round pick Marquie Brown will help But incumbents Kardarius Toney, Skyy Moore, et al will have to take the steps up that they failed to take last season too.
