Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is one of the league’s best players.
His stellar play has earned him a lucrative contract while being a key piece in arguably the league’s best offense headlined by him and two-time NFL Patrick Mahomes.
However, the continual uptick in new contracts for many premier players, including former longtime teammate All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The Pro Bowl wideout pushed his way out of Kansas City after a contract demand that eventually landed him with the Miami Dolphins where he signed a four-year, $120 million extension.
Despite that, Kelce highly values the opportunity to compete for Super Bowls with the Chiefs over a massive payday.
“When I saw Tyreek go and get 30 [million] a year, in the back of my head, I was like, man, that’s two to three times what I’m making right now,” he told Vanity Fair via ESPN. “I’m like, the free market looks like fun until you go somewhere, and you don’t win. I love winning. I love the situation I’m in.”
That isn’t to say that Kelce won’t be in line for another lucrative contract. The 33-year-old will make $11.25 million in base salary next season, which is 52nd among all players.
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Kelce is third among tight ends in average annual salary ($14.3), trailing San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle ($15 million) and New York Giants’ Darren Waller ($17 million). He’s under contract through 2025, which should see him in line for at least one more massive payday before his deal expires.