Travis Kelce Rejects Lucrative Offers From Kansas City Chiefs Rivals — Star Tight End Turns Down “Significant” Money From Competing Teams, Choosing Loyalty and Legacy Over a Payday as He Commits His Future to the Franchise Where He Became an NFL Icon.

Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos - NFL 2025Travis Kelce reacts after scoring a touchdown

 

New York Jets v Kansas City ChiefsKelce celebrates a score against the New York Jets

 

 

 

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Kelce had some big offers on the table.

However, none of them were enough to sway him away from the Chiefs.

“It’s been a roller coaster for Travis Kelce. He’s only played for the Kansas City Chiefs. I think a lot of people assumed no doubt Travis Kelce would just come back to the Kansas City Chiefs, sign whatever deal was available and move forward,” Rapoport said.

 

 

 

“He was expected to get significant, significant interest. Likely, a deal that would have put him at the top of the tight end market. Based on the way he played last year, a Pro Bowler playing nearly on top of his game, that would make sense.

“That’s not really what Travis Kelce is about. It really isn’t. He is going to turn down more money to stay in Kansas City, to be loyal, to be with Patrick Mahomes and to continue to have another shot at the Super Bowl.

“This is something the Chiefs were adamant about doing. They wanted this to happen. It was really just a matter of, would he get to free agency?

 

 

 

“In the end, it is likely not with Travis Kelce expected to stay in Kansas City.”

Kelce ended up signing a one-year contract worth $12 million with the Chiefs.

The value can increase to up to $15 with incentives.

The top salary in the NFL for a tight end is $19.1m a year for George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers.