Now it’s Travis’ turn to make some news.
A week after megastar girlfriend Taylor Swift dropped her long-awaited “The Tortured Poets Department” album and hours after brother Jason Kelce joined ESPN’s NFL broadcast team, Travis Kelce got his own moment in the spotlight.
The Chiefs star agreed to a contract extension that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, the team announced Monday, with NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reporting its a two-year tack-on to his current deal for $34.25 million.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates in the locker room after winning Super Bowl 2024. Getty Images“Back at it again, baby, woo! Feels good to be in KC,” Kelce said in a video recorded at the Chiefs facility the team posted to X. “I remember coming here 12 years ago — it’s an honor and a pleasure. I can’t wait to get after these next two years. No better than right now. Getting fired up for this year – just got out on the field with the boys, doggone, we’re back at it baby. Chiefs forever!”
The three-time Super Bowl winner is set to make $17 million — all guaranteed — for 2024, besting Mark Andrews’ $16.9 million with the Ravens.
In 2025, he’ll make $17.1 million.
His deal will now keep him in Kansas City through 2027, when he’ll be 38.
The quarterback responsible for connecting with him on the majority of his 11,328 yards, 907 catches and 74 touchdowns over his career was thrilled with the news.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce #87 reacts after he completes a reception under coverage by New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con“I told yall I’ll never let him leave!!,” Patrick Mahomes wrote on X. “Congrats my guy!”
Kelce’s new deal comes despite a down season by his own lofty standards — his 984 receiving yards were his lowest total since 2015, his five TDs his fewest since 2019, and his 10.6 yards-per-catch average a career low.
Still, Kelce has remained one of the most consistent tight ends since coming into the league, breaking the 1,000-yard mark in seven of the last eight seasons and averaging 12.5 yards per catch in his career.
The nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro ranks fourth all-time in receptions and receiving yards at the position.
