Travis Kelce actually secured the title of the highest-paid tight end in the NFL earlier this year! In February 2024, he signed a two-year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth a reported $34.25 million. This bumped him up from the number four spot to the top earner at his position.
The deal includes $17 million guaranteed in 2024, with most of his 2025 salary becoming guaranteed by March of next year if he remains on the Chiefs’ roster.
Before this extension, Kelce was due a base salary of $12 million in 2024 and $16.25 million in 2025.
Now, in the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his elder brother and Philadelphia Eagles veteran Jason Kelce, the Chiefs icon opened up about the pursuit of the NFL’s top Tight End salary!
“The Hunt family’s been absolutely unbelievable to not only myself and this Kansas City community, but they’ve just been so generous since I’ve been here and making it feel like home,” Kelce said on the New Heights podcast.
He added:
“For the past 12 years, man, I’ve been able to make this place exactly that and I’ve loved every single second of it and I’m gonna love the next two years playing here in Kansas City..
Kelce continued:
“I got to move the needle for the tight end room. It’s everyone else’s job to go out there and keep making that tight end AAV number go up and up with every single contract that’s better than mine in the future.”
Travis Kelce’s Journey With Kansas City Chiefs Has Been One of Mutual Success
Drafted in the 3rd round (63rd overall) in 2013, Travis Kelce arrived under new head coach Andy Reid, familiar with his brother Jason from the Philadelphia Eagles. A pre-season knee injury slowed him down initially, but he bounced back to become a reliable target for quarterback Alex Smith.
With time, Kelce’s talent shone. He established himself as a favorite target, racking up receptions and yards. Pro Bowl appearances became a regular occurrence (4 in this period).
The arrival of Patrick Mahomes in 2018 elevated the Chiefs offense to another level. Kelce and Mahomes developed a potent connection.
Kelce broke numerous records: most receiving yards for a tight end in a season (2018), most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for a tight end (7), and most postseason receptions (he currently holds the record).
The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl twice in Mahomes’ first three years, winning in 2020 (LIV) and 2023 (LVII). Kelce played a vital role in both wins. Furthermore, Travis recently helped the KC Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII.
