Chiefs want Travis Kelce back, but how much are they willing to pay him?

Chiefs want Travis Kelce back, but how much are they willing to pay him?

Our Summary

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose contract is set to expire next month, has not yet disclosed his plans regarding playing in 2026 or retiring. The Chiefs have expressed interest in retaining Kelce if he decides to continue playing, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. However, the team's financial constraints pose a challenge. Projections for the 2026 salary cap show the Chiefs approximately $55 million over the cap, putting them in the worst financial position in the NFL. Although the team is expected to make necessary adjustments to comply with the cap by March, resources for a lucrative contract for Kelce will be limited. Additionally, Kelce's performance has declined, with him recording a career-low 50.1 receiving yards per game in 2025. The Chiefs' willingness to continue paying his current salary of $17 million annually remains uncertain.

Originally by https://www.nbcsports.com/authors/michael-david-smithon February 8, 2026
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