Four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce signed a new two-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, making him the highest-paid tight end for the first time in his 11-year career.
“It feels good to be in KC,” a smiling Kelce said in a video released by the team minutes after he signed the contract. “I remember coming here 12 years ago, man. It is an honor and a pleasure. I can't wait for these next two years to come, but nothing better than now. For this year, I'm going crazy.”
The new deal, which runs through the 2025 season, will fully guarantee Kelce $17 million this year. His $17.25 million salary in 2025 is largely guaranteed, according to a league source.
Always tell leaders 🫶, @tkelce! pic.twitter.com/88VtkjdPct
— Kansas City Chiefs (@chiefs) April 29, 2024
Kelce turns 35 in October. His extension with the Chiefs appears to be the first sign that he could retire after the 2025 season.
“It's hard to put into words what Travis means to this organization, to this city,” general manager Brett Veitch said Monday in his post-draft news conference. “He definitely made it a priority to fix his contract for us. It's important to (club owner) Clarke (Hunt). It's a good fit that Travis is the highest-paid tight end right now.
“It's a very special day in this organization, recognizing once again one of the greatest tight ends ever.”
Kelce helped lead the Chiefs to their second straight Super Bowl win last season while leading the team with 93 receptions for 984 yards in the regular season. During the Chiefs' four-game postseason run, Kelce upped his performance, making 32 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
He was a three-time Super Bowl champion, nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro with the Chiefs.
Before Super Bowl LVII in early February, Kelce reiterated that he had no plans to retire, especially with Patrick Mahomes in the prime of his career at quarterback.
“I told you, I'll never let him go!!” Mahomes wrote about Kelce on his X account. “Congratulations my boy!”
I told him I would never let him go!! Congratulations my son! @tkelce https://t.co/9sqkZY8mU8
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 29, 2024
Kelz became a household name last season thanks to his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift and the podcast he hosts, “New Heights,” with his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles great Jason Kelz.
In addition to his celebrity status, Kelce is one of the NFL's most effective tight ends. His 907 career receptions and 11,328 career receiving yards rank fourth among tight ends.
“Today we had an opportunity to go out in the second phase (of the team's offseason program) and guys were out there running, and Travis was the first one in line,” Veech said. “He was like 28 years old. The chances of someone playing by age 30 are very slim, but it does happen. It happens with unicorns in the industry and Travis is one of them.
“He's showing no signs of slowing down. Everyone noticed the kind of postseason he had. He found an extra gear. These special players can always find an extra gear. If anyone can do it, Travis can.
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(Photo: David Youlit / Getty Images)
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