Travis Kelce, one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL, recently signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. But what exactly is Travis Kelce`s contract, and what does it mean for the future of the Chiefs?
First, let`s take a look at the basics of Kelce`s contract. The extension is for four years, worth a total of $57.25 million. This makes Kelce the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, surpassing George Kittle`s recent contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
But what makes Kelce`s contract so significant is the structure of the deal. According to reports, the contract includes $28 million in guaranteed money, with $14.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. This means that Kelce is essentially guaranteed to receive $14.5 million over the next year, regardless of whether or not he is on the field.
The contract also includes several incentives that could push Kelce`s total earnings even higher. For example, if he makes the Pro Bowl or is named an All-Pro, he can earn additional bonuses. And if the Chiefs win another Super Bowl with Kelce on the roster, he could receive up to $1 million in bonuses.
So what does this mean for the Chiefs? Well, it`s clear that they value Kelce as a crucial part of their offense. He has been a consistent playmaker for the team, catching 105 passes for 1,416 yards and 11 touchdowns last season alone. And with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the way, Kelce`s role is only going to become more important in the coming years.
But there are also some potential downsides to Kelce`s contract. For one, it`s a significant amount of money to invest in a player who has already been in the league for eight seasons. Kelce will turn 32 years old in October, so there are questions about how much longer he can maintain his high level of production.
Additionally, the large amount of guaranteed money could put the Chiefs in a difficult spot if Kelce were to suffer a major injury or see a sudden decline in performance. They would be on the hook for his salary, even if he`s unable to play at a high level.
Overall, though, it`s clear that the Chiefs see Kelce as a vital part of their team for years to come. And with his new contract, he`s now paid like one of the best players in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how he continues to perform in the coming seasons, and whether or not the Chiefs` investment in him pays off in the long run.
