HOT NEWS: Travis Kelce’s message to world after new Chiefs contract could take him through rest of career

Travis Kelce has sent a clear message to the world after securing his future with the Kansas City Chiefs, thanks in part to Patrick Mahomes’ influence on his new contract. The Chiefs’ star tight end is all set for another four years with the team, and he didn’t waste any time letting fans know he’s raring to go.

Shortly after the announcement of Kelce’s two-year contract extension, the 34 year old released a video that subtly hinted at the ambitions he and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes have for the 2024 NFL season. “Back at it again baby,” Kelce declared with palpable excitement in the short video.

Kelce’s gearing up to be an unstoppable force in their pursuit of a third consecutive championship – a historic achievement yet to be seen in the NFL. The Chiefs are currently reigning as back-to-back Super Bowl champions, having taken down the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, the latter victory coming in a nail-biting overtime battle.

When news broke that Kelce had signed an extension that would likely see him end his career in Kansas City, Mahomes couldn’t hide his joy, taking to X to celebrate his teammate’s return. “I told yall I’ll never let him leave! ! Congrats my guy! ” exclaimed Mahomes on his personal X account.

It’s also worth noting that Kelce’s fresh contract terms now position him as the highest-paid tight end in the league. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Kelce’s updated contract adds two years and $34.25 million on top of the remaining two years from his previous deal.

Before Kelce’s deal made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, Darren Waller held the title for the most expensive tight end in the league. In 2022, Waller signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders before he was traded to the New York Giants around a year later.

Waller’s deal paid him $17 million a year, ahead of Minnesota Vikings star T.J. Hockenson ($16.5 million) and San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle ($15 million) for most in the league. Kittle’s prior contract paid him $14.3 million, which was the fourth-most in the league at the time

While Kelce’s new deal with the Chiefs symbolizes Kansas City’s commitment to winning another championship, it could also be seen as the franchise’s way of rewarding the 34 year old for his loyalty to the team. In years past, Kelce often took hometown discounts to help the front office better navigate free agency and which players to sign.

Kelce taking a pay cut certainly paid off, as the Chiefs have won three Super Bowl titles with him and Mahomes leading the way. Additionally, Kelce’s contraction extension could be seen as the franchise’s way of paying back what he has done in a Chiefs uniform outside of winning championships.

Since being drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce has consistently demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest tight ends of all time. From 2016 to 2022, Kelce achieved seven consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, a record for any tight end in NFL history.

With Kelce seemingly committed for the remainder of his career, he and Mahomes have ample opportunities to continue their Super Bowl winning streak. Their pursuit of a three-peat begins now, if Kelce’s words are anything to go by.