Chiefs and Travis Kelce Agree to Two-Year Contract Extension Worth Over $17 Million Annually

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to an adjusted contract with their star tight-end through the 2027 season. In what is effectively a two-year extension to his current contract, Kelce will now reportedly earn an additional $34.25 million to that remaining on his old deal. Signing pen to paper, the 34 year-old now becomes the NFL’s highest paid player at his position.

The extension comes after Kelce played a pivotal role in bringing a second successive Super Bowl to Kansas City – their third over a five-year span.

He joins Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid and general manager, Brett Veach, who had also committed their futures earlier this month.

“Back at it again, baby!” Kelce exclaimed on a video posted on the teams’ social media platforms.

“Feels good to be in K.C. It’s an honour and a pleasure, and I can’t wait to get after it these next two years.”

Alongside his brother Jason, with whom he produces the podcast ‘New Heights,’ Kelce also spoke of his thankfulness and gratitude towards Kansas City’s front office and ownership.

“I am so thankful to Brett Veach, Mark Donovan, Coach Reid and obviously, Clark Hunt.”

“The Hunt family has been absolutely unbelievable to not only myself and this Kansas City community, but they’ve just been so generous since I’ve been here and making it feel like home.”

Chosen by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 draft, Kelce is already the franchise leader with 11,328 yards receiving.

Kelce also needs just eight more receptions and three touchdown catches to surpass another legendary Chiefs tight-end, Tony Gonzalez, on those two lists as well.

For as much as Patrick Mahomes has transformed fortunes in Kansas City – the Cleveland native has become the heart and soul of a franchise which now seeks to become the greatest of modern times.

However, those recent successes have not come without their fair share of challenges.

Marred by an injury-hit season, 2023 was both a struggle for Kelce and the receiving core collectively.

Though his 93 receptions and 984 yards accounted for the highest on the team, his production dropped significantly. 65.6 receiving yards per game was his lowest since the 2015 season, while he also set a career low in yards per reception – accounting for 10.6.

All of this backed up just five regular season touchdowns – far below previous standards.

Despite this, Kelce returned to his usual excellence in the post-season – the smart, elusive pass catcher that made his name.

Doing so when needed most alongside Rashee Rice, he was one of only two consistent weapons which Patrick Mahomes badly relied upon.

So what does this contract all mean in the wider scale?

With the new deal, any doubts of Kelce’s retirement talk have squarely been put on hold – that is, for another couple of years at the least.

His presence has also been solidified within an offensive system which is now transformed.

A main focus of the Chiefs’ front office this off-season, lacklustre receiver-play now looks sure to be replaced by a core of speed and explosiveness.

Hollywood Brown signed a one-year deal in free agency and has since been joined by Xavier Worthy.

Worthy, who the Chiefs selected in the first-round of last weeks draft, had recorded a record-breaking 4.21 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. As such, he is now another bullet in Andy Reid’s arsenal.

Along with running-back Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs offense now resembles a track meet – a remake of the one which previously included the likes of Tyreek Hill.

Much coveted, Kansas City has uncovered a new dual deep threat – and with it, have regained their ability to terrify even the best of defenses.

This can only benefit Kelce too.

A receiver who thrives on motion and creating space, he should now have plenty.

In addition to Brown and Worthy breaking the top, expect the Mahomes-Kelce partnership of old to reignite. With the middle of the field now wide open, the tight-end will have ample room to juke, jink and bamboozle.

Hard to believe, but the Chiefs have just got better – much better.

You now look at their roster and you see no weakness. They are set for domination both now and into the future.

Yes, you can’t win without superstars in the like of Mahomes, Kelce and Chris Jones. But, it is also Kansas City’s blend of youth and depth which has solidified their presence as the NFL’s best.

Incredibly, as Reid and company compete for a three-peat of Super Bowl victories, it looks unlikely that there is anyone around who can stop them.