Travis Kelce’s performance took a noticeable dip during the 2024 NFL season and Super Bowl LIX, where the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles, thwarting their three-peat attempt.
In the 2024 season, Kelce posted career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3), with his final two playoff games suggesting that the 35-year-old might be past his peak. Against the Eagles, Kelce managed only four receptions for a mere 39 yards, as Philadelphia’s defence effectively neutralised one of Patrick Mahomes’ key targets.
Given his subpar performance in the year’s most crucial game, doubts have been raised about whether Kelce still possesses the ability to compete at the highest level. As the Chiefs await Kelce’s decision on his future, there are more urgent issues to address than just his potential return.
Kelce’s $11.5M bonus
Despite Kelce’s lackluster season and Super Bowl showing, the fading star is still set to receive a substantial bonus, provided he doesn’t retire or get dropped by Kansas City. If Kelce remains on the roster beyond March 14, he will be awarded an $11.5 million bonus.
This is in addition to the $19.8 million he is due to receive from the team in the 2025 season. If the franchise decides to cut Kelce or if he retires, his cap hit would be reduced to $2.5 million, providing the Chiefs with more flexibility in free agency.
Chiefs deadline
Kansas City is on the clock as they await tight end Travis Kelce’s decision regarding his plans for the coming season. With an $11.5 million roster bonus due on March 14, the team faces a significant financial decision.
If the team opts to cut Kelce before that date, they won’t be on the hook for the bonus and will also save themselves $17.25 million in cap space. This would give the Chiefs more leeway as they strive to craft another roster capable of contending for a championship—with or without their star tight end.
Kelce’s stance on NFL future
Kelce is taking his time before announcing his NFL future, but his brother, Jason, hinted at certainty during a chat on ‘The Steam Room’ podcast: “I think he probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do. That’s the reality of it,” said the elder Kelce.
“I’m sure we will talk about it. We’ve already talked about it a little bit, and I’m sure he’s going to go through a process of figuring that out. We’re very similar people, but we also have different ways of thinking about things. And sometimes I can way over-analyze situations, and my brother has this way of being like, ‘Hey man, you want to play or you don’t want to play’.”
“He’ll say something like that where it’s just like, don’t worry about all of these minor things. And nine times out of ten, he’s right about all of it.”
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