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As the NFL offseason begins, one of the most intriguing storylines is the future of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. According to The Athletic, the team has given the future Hall of Fame tight end until March 14 to decide whether he will continue his career next season.
Travis Kelce’s contract and upcoming roster bonus
At 36 years old, Kelce is nearing the twilight of his illustrious 12-year career. He has one remaining year on his contract with the Chiefs but is scheduled to receive a $12.5 million roster bonus on March 15. The Chiefs, who currently have $5.38 million in projected salary cap space for 2025, will need to adjust their payroll before free agency kicks off on March 10, as they rank 23rd in cap space among all NFL teams.
This financial situation is pushing the Chiefs to make moves that will free up room to continue building the team around their key players. Kelce’s decision will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s plans.
Travis Kelce’s 2024 performance and the future
While Kelce remains one of the league's top tight ends, his 2024 season saw some of his lowest career numbers. He finished the regular season with 97 receptions, but only 823 receiving yards, averaging 8.5 yards per catch, and just three touchdowns.
The Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles saw Kelce record four receptions for 39 yards, further underscoring his reduced production.
The Chiefs’ decision to sign tight end Noah Gray to a three-year, $18 million extension before last season seemed to signal the team is ready to look beyond Kelce. However, with the 2025 season approaching, Kelce’s status remains a critical question.
Travis Kelce reflects on retirement
In a recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future.
I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year and right now I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road, he shared.
Kelce emphasized that his focus for now is on supporting his teammates and coaches, while taking the time to reflect on his future in the game.
I am not making any crazy decisions, but right now the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and being there for my coaches understanding that there’s a lot that goes into this thing, Kelce added.
The 12-time Pro Bowler also spoke about the physical toll that consecutive Super Bowl appearances and deep playoff runs have taken on his body. He acknowledged that playing extra games each season—three more than most NFL players due to the Chiefs' recent success—has been grueling both physically and mentally.
The fact that we keep going to these AFC championships and Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league, Kelce explained. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body. It’s a lot of time spent in the building. That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you. It can make you better and it can drive you crazy at the same time.
It’s clear the Chiefs understand the weight of Kelce’s decision and have asked him to take the next month to carefully consider his options. His decision could have a significant impact on the future of the Chiefs' roster as they prepare for the 2025 season.
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