Travis Kelce Accepts Team-Friendly $14 Million Contract to Help Chiefs Stay Competitive

Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has accepted a $14 million contract with the team in a move aimed at keeping the roster together and maintaining the Chiefs' competitive edge. Kelce's former teammate, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who now plays for the Miami Dolphins, praised Kelce for his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice personal gain for the benefit of the team.

Hill revealed that Kelce took a "friendly deal" despite being widely considered the best tight end in the NFL and deserving of a much higher salary. "Travis Kelce is not getting paid what he's worth," Hill said, emphasizing Kelce's vital role in the Chiefs' three Super Bowl titles over the past five years. Kelce's current base salary of $12 million is significantly lower than what top wide receivers in the league are earning.

Why this matters: Kelce's decision to accept a team-friendly contract highlights the importance of player loyalty and sacrifice in building and maintaining a successful NFL franchise. His actions, along with those of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who also took a "friendly deal," demonstrate the Chiefs' commitment to keeping their core players together in pursuit of continued success.

Hill, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the Dolphins after being traded from the Chiefs in 2022, acknowledged that Kelce and Mahomes are "just different" and should be the highest-paid players in their respective positions. However, he commended their willingness to prioritize team success over personal financial gain. "They're taking friendly deals just to keep the team together," Hill said, emphasizing the importance of a strong team dynamic.

Kelce's contract extension keeps him with the Chiefs through the 2025 season, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL for the 2023 season. However, it remains uncertain whether Kelce will sign another extension or potentially retire after 2025, as he will be 35 years old at the end of his current contract.

Kelce's decision to accept a team-friendly contract is a testament to his commitment to the Chiefs and his desire to continue playing alongside Mahomes in pursuit of more Super Bowl titles. As Hill noted, Kelce's selflessness and dedication to the team have been instrumental in the Chiefs' success, and his actions serve as an example for other players in the league who prioritize winning over personal financial gain.

Key Takeaways

• Travis Kelce accepted a $14M contract to keep Chiefs' roster together.
• Kelce's teammate Tyreek Hill praised his selflessness and team-first attitude.
• Kelce's contract extension keeps him with Chiefs through 2025 as highest-paid TE.
• Kelce and QB Patrick Mahomes took "friendly deals" to prioritize team success.
• Kelce's actions demonstrate commitment to winning over personal financial gain.