Travis Kelce contract, explained: How Chiefs can save $17 million if star tight end retires or gets cut

The Chiefs came up short in their quest to pull off the first-ever three-peat in the NFL’s Super Bowl era. The biggest storyline of the game was Philadelphia’s dominant defensive showing, but less than 24 hours later, it’s time for Kansas City to start looking to the future. 

After years of having Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce at the top of their games, the Chiefs now lack an elite pass-catcher. Kelce might still have the name value, but ahead of 2025, Kansas City is set to lose DeAndre Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marquise Brown to free agency. This would leave Rashee Rice as the top wide receiver, and he’s coming off a season-ending knee injury.

The Chiefs also aren’t guaranteed to have Kelce back. The 35-year-old tight end has been eyeing Hollywood and could pursue more acting and hosting opportunities. He has one year left on his current deal, but he could also be a cap casualty for Kansas City if he doesn’t retire.

Here’s how the Chiefs can save $17 million if Kelce isn’t with the team next year.

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Travis Kelce contract details

Kelce was drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has spent all 12 years of his career with the franchise. Kelce’s most recent contract was a two-year extension worth $34.25 million. He has one more year on his deal and is scheduled to carry a $19,801,667 cap hit in 2025 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. 

If Kelce were to retire, the Chiefs would only owe $2,551,667 in a dead cap hit. This means that Kansas City would save $17.25 million if he chose to hang up his cleats. The Chiefs could also save that money if they were to release him.

Given what he has meant to the team and its recent success, it doesn’t seem like they would simply let him go. The two sides would likely re-work his contract if he doesn’t outright retire. 

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Will Travis Kelce retire?

We don’t know yet. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the Super Bowl loss that the team would obviously be waiting with open arms if he decides to keep playing. Mahomes added that the tight end will take time to be with family and then will make his decision. 

Kelce may speak on the situation when the Chiefs clean out their lockers and hold their final season press conferences this week. 

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How old is Travis Kelce?

Travis Kelce was born on Oct. 5, 1989. He is 35 after the Super Bowl loss, and he will turn 36 during the 2025 season.

Travis Kelce career stats