Travis Kelce Sends Clear Message About Possible Contract Holdout

02/05/2024 22:00

The Kansas City Chiefs gave Travis Kelce a two-year, $34.25 million extension that will make him the NFL's highest-paid tight end this season.

Kelce's extension raises his 2024 salary by $4 million and keeps him on board through 2025. The 34-year-old addressed his new deal on this week's New Heights podcast. 

Even if he entered a contract year without an extension, Kelce admitted that he still would have reported to camp this summer.

"I can't thank Kansas City enough, my agents for knocking on the door to see if anything is available, knowing that I'm not a guy that sits out," Kelce said. "I'm not a guy that holds out. I'm a guy that loves coming into the building, and the Chiefs know that."

Kelce commended the only organization he's known for taking care of him.

"I'm extremely grateful and extremely thankful for everybody involved," he said. "I love Kansas City for it."

Kansas City witnessed a significant holdout last year when Chris Jones sat out a Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions. This offseason, the All-Pro signed a five-year, $158.75 million deal to become the league's top-paid defensive tackle.

Kelce fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the first season since 2015, but his 984 yards finished second to George Kittle among all tight ends. He looked like his typical self during a dominant postseason, registering 32 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns in four wins en route to his third Super Bowl title.

Only three tight ends have more career receiving yards than Kelce, who has scored 19 touchdowns in 22 career playoff games. The extension could ensure he finishes a Hall of Fame career in Kansas City.

"I'm going to love the next two years playing here in Kansas City, and we'll see what happens after that," Kelce said. "But I'm so excited, and I'm so thankful to this organization for getting it done."