{"id":770445,"date":"2026-02-23T05:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T05:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770445\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T05:00:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T05:00:26","slug":"travis-kelce-may-be-forced-into-huge-pay-cut-if-he-plays-another-nfl-season-with-the-chiefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770445\/","title":{"rendered":"Travis Kelce may be forced into huge pay cut if he plays another NFL season with the Chiefs"},"content":{"rendered":"

By DANIEL MATTHEWS, US SENIOR SPORTS WRITER<\/a> <\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 22:37 EST, 22 February 2026 | Updated: 22:41 EST, 22 February 2026 <\/p>\n

Travis Kelce<\/a> could be set for a much smaller paycheck should he decide to re-sign with the Kansas<\/a> City Chiefs.<\/p>\n

The future of the legendary tight end has been uncertain for some time and speculation that he could retire only intensified after the Chiefs failed to reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Kelce, 36, has spent his entire career playing in Kansas City but he has yet to confirm whether he will play a 14th season in the NFL or opt for a quieter life with fiancee Taylor Swift<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As revealed by the Daily Mail<\/a>\u00a0earlier this month, sources close to the player believe he will play on – and will confirm his return sooner rather than later – while coach Andy Reid<\/a> has also\u00a0fueled speculation that Kelce will resist retirement<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But, according to analysis by CBS<\/a>, Kelce may have to accept a pay cut should he want to chase a fourth Super Bowl<\/a> crown of a remarkable career.<\/p>\n

Back in April 2024, the tight end signed a two-year, $34.25million contract extension that ran through the 2025 season.\u00a0He is currently slated to hit free agency.<\/p>\n

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Travis Kelce could be set for a smaller paycheck should he decide to re-sign with the Chiefs<\/p>\n

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The legendary tight end has yet to reveal whether he will play on or head for retirement<\/p>\n

Per CBS, Kelce’s previous deal – worth\u00a0$17.125m a year – made him the highest-paid tight end in the league until both George Kittle (49ers) and Trey McBride (Cardinals) signed ever more lucrative contracts.<\/p>\n

Kelce will turn 37 in October but despite his age – and the Chiefs’ struggles – he was resurgent in 2025, leading the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns.<\/p>\n

As CBS pointed out, few tight ends continue to shine at the age of 36 but one who did was another NFL legend, Tony Gonzalez.<\/p>\n

Back in 2013, shortly after his 37th birthday, Gonzalez signed a two-year, $14m deal to stay with the Atlanta Falcons. At the time, his $7m-a-year contract made him the joint-sixth highest-paid tight end in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Last season, per CBS, the sixth highest-paid tight end was Baltimore’s Mark Andrews. His three-year deal is worth an average of $13.1m a year – significantly less than Kelce’s previous deal.<\/p>\n

The Chiefs star could argue he deserves more, given he significantly outperformed Andrews last season. But the 36-year-old could also be willing to take a discount to help the Chiefs rebuild their roster as they eye a return to the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

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\n Travis Kelce may be forced into huge pay cut if he plays another NFL season with the Chiefs<\/p>\n