Even before the Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from postseason contention in 2025, many wondered if last season was the the final year Travis Kelce would play in the NFL. While he played in all 17 games, Kelce had another “down year” by his standards, catching 76 receptions (a career-low) for 851 yards and five touchdowns.
After losing Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles, many wondered then if the future Pro Football Hall of Famer would return in 2026. And when he did, those same people assumed it was going to be for one more year.
However, Kelce has signed on to play the 2026 NFL season with the Chiefs, though there has been some confusion in regards to his contract.
No, the Kansas City Chiefs did not give Travis Kelce a three-year contract
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first down during the first half against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
It was initially reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport that Kelce and Kansas City agreed to a three-year contract worth more than $54 million. The $18+ million annual salary would still make him among the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends:
#Chiefs Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce has signed his contract, officially locking him in for 2026.
It’s a 3-year, $54.735M deal that can be worth up to $57.735M ($18.245M average) done by agent Mike Simon (@mikevmgsports) of @milkhoneysport. Year 1 is $12M plus 3M in incentives. pic.twitter.com/2iYvstuMrC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2026
However, the structure of the deal as presented above is not really accurate. In fact, it is not accurate at all.
That is, Kelce actually signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs worth $12 million:
The #Chiefs’ new contract with TE Travis Kelce is structured as a 1-year, $12M deal with another $3M in incentives, with additional years included for cap purposes.
If Kelce wants to continue playing after this season, the deal will be renegotiated next year.
As currently… pic.twitter.com/8y2Ty4xK1D
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 23, 2026
As noted above, the extra seasons that were initially reported were put in there for cap purposes. This is structured to be Kelce’s final NFL season. If he wants to play in 2027, they will have to go back and renegotiate the contract.
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