Travis Kelce isn't hanging up his cleats just yet. The future Hall of Fame tight end has inked a new deal with the Kansas City Chiefs right as the free agency window opened.
Despite whispers of Kelce potentially heading to the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants, the Chiefs managed to keep their star by offering a one-year contract worth up to $15 million. Interestingly, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Kansas City didn’t make the highest offer.
Kelce turned down more lucrative deals to stay with the team that drafted him back in 2013.
“It’s been a roller coaster for Travis Kelce. He has only played for the Chiefs.
A lot of people assumed he’d just come back and sign whatever deal was available. He was expected to get significant interest that likely would’ve put him at the top of the tight end market based on how he played last year.
A Pro Bowler, certainly playing near the top of his game,” Rapoport explained. “But that’s not really what Travis Kelce is about.
He is turning down more money to stay in Kansas City, to be loyal, to be with Patrick Mahomes, and to continue having another shot at the Super Bowl.”
At 36, Kelce might be nearing the twilight of his career, but the Chiefs are thrilled to have him back for another season. With 1,080 receptions, 13,002 yards, and 82 touchdowns under his belt, Kelce is undeniably one of the greatest to don a Chiefs jersey.
His impressive postseason records, including the most receptions and receiving touchdowns by a tight end, speak volumes. With three Super Bowl rings already, Kelce would love nothing more than to cap off his career with another Lombardi Trophy.