Travis Kelce could be set for a much smaller paycheck should he decide to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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.
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.
As revealed by the Daily Mail earlier 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 has also fueled speculation that Kelce will resist retirement.
But, according to analysis by CBS, Kelce may have to accept a pay cut should he want to chase a fourth Super Bowl crown of a remarkable career.
Back in April 2024, the tight end signed a two-year, $34.25million contract extension that ran through the 2025 season. He is currently slated to hit free agency.
Travis Kelce could be set for a smaller paycheck should he decide to re-sign with the Chiefs
The legendary tight end has yet to reveal whether he will play on or head for retirement
Per CBS, Kelce’s previous deal – worth $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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.