Embed from Getty Images
Travis Kelce is still not close to retiring from the NFL. Even if that was not in his plans soon, that idea has now become official. This afternoon, the Chiefs and Kelce agreed to a new two-year contract extension per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. As Rapoport mentioned, this new deal also gives Kelce a considerable bump among the tight end position, as he becomes the highest-paid tight end.
Two more years for Travis Kelce, and now the highest-paid tight end. #Chiefs #FPC #NFL #NFLTwitter #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/pcGzOsDjDO
— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) April 29, 2024
Before this new signing, Kelce was originally signed through 2025. So instead of being signed for only two more seasons, the Chiefs will have their star pass catcher for at least four more campaigns. Overall, Travis Kelce will turn 35 years old in October of this upcoming season. This will now carry him to his age-38 season. And all along, he has said how he would be a Chief for his entire career. But obviously, this deal could very well be the one that carries him into retirement.
With that in mind, here are some items to keep in mind surrounding Travis Kelce over these next four seasons. Let’s kick it off.
Playoff Records
Travis Kelce will continue to be a main focal point as part of a consistent Super Bowl contender. Beyond his franchise accomplishments, the tight end has a serious chance to leave with monster numbers in the postseason. Some playoff records are already in his grasp, like all-time playoff receptions in NFL history (165).
Meanwhile, Kelce is currently second all-time in career NFL playoff receiving yards. Jerry Rice leads the way with 2,245 career receiving yards in the playoffs. Kelce has 1,903 career receiving yards in the playoffs. He has accumulated 257 receiving yards or more in each of the last four postseasons. As a result, passing Rice in that area is well within reach for Travis Kelce, assuming Kansas City continues to be among the best in the league.
- Feed has no items.
Finally, Rice is only ahead of Kelce by three in career playoff receiving touchdowns. Jerry had 22 receiving touchdowns in his postseason career. With 19 receiving touchdowns in his postseason career, Travis has tallied at least three postseason receiving touchdowns in five straight years.
New Offensive Pieces
It has been well-documented how much of a teacher and a mentor Travis Kelce has been for offensive teammates. As a natural leader, he has never been afraid of taking anyone under his wing. That has not only led to immediate success for some offensive weapons on the Chiefs. To boot, it has helped Kansas City continue to evolve in the Patrick Mahomes era.
That mentorship will obviously continue further this upcoming season. On Thursday night, the Chiefs selected wide receiver Xavier Worthy in round one. And on Saturday, Kansas City added to Kelce’s position at tight end, selecting Jared Wiley out of TCU. He previously was able to offer some words of wisdom to Noah Gray at the tight end spot, as well. At wide receiver this year, Kelce may be able to help out Marquise Brown in his transition to Kansas City. Even though he is a veteran, Brown will eventually learn the tricks that the Chiefs love to utilize.
And going forward, it is impossible to know every offensive piece that Kansas City will use. But with Travis Kelce locked in for four more seasons in total, he will gladly be ready to provide assistance, if necessary. That is something that will never change, as his career rolls on.
Off-Field Superstar
As great as Travis Kelce has been on the field, his off-field superstardom has continued to grow in abundance. His appearance as the host of Saturday Night Live was amazing. Of course, the New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason, is one of the most popular podcasts out there. And going forward, that presence off the field will only shine brighter. With his passion and love for Kansas City, that superstardom makes Chiefs fans proud, even though he has continued to be himself through and through.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.