When the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, one of the biggest questions was the future of Travis Kelce.
One of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Kelce is still productive, catching 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns last season. But with plenty of post-career opportunities ahead of him, there was some thought that he could be hanging up his cleats.
The 35-year-old admitted earlier this month that he would take time to come up with a decision and the Chiefs would like to know as soon as possible. But a report shows that it could take longer than fans expect and Kelce’s decision has plenty of short-term ramifications.
Travis Kelce Could Push Back Roster Bonus Amid Retirement Decision
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, much of the Chiefs’ desire for a quick answer stems from Kelce’s contract. Kelce is due an $11.5 million roster bonus on March 15. If he remains on the roster but decides to retire after the bonus is paid, he’ll keep the money but his dead cap number will increase from $2.55 million to $14 million for next season.
Graziano points out that this is why the Chiefs would like an answer sooner than later, but it’s more of a soft outline than an ultimatum.
“It’s important to mention this is one of the greatest players in franchise history and isn’t likely to be shoved out the door over $11.5 million,” Graziano said. “It’s entirely possible Kelce and the Chiefs could work something out, push back the roster bonus deadline, adjust the contract to make him a post-June 1 cut if he retires, etc. And if he decides to play again, that $17 million would be exactly what he earned in 2024 and probably wouldn’t require any more adjustments.”
Kelce’s desire to make a thoughtful decision isn’t as much of a point of contention as it is a convenience to the Chiefs. With Trey Flowers and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown entering free agency, the Chiefs would like to know how much cap space they have to retain them or add cheaper alternatives to bolster their roster around Patrick Mahomes.
But it’s also unlikely to get ugly knowing how much Kelce means to the franchise. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Kelce ranks first in Chiefs history in receptions (1,004), receiving yards (12,151) and touchdowns and is still productive entering his age-36 season.
If Kelce wants to come back, the Chiefs will find a way to make it happen – even if a decision comes later than most anticipate.