There's only so much money Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach can spend. Unfortunately for him, they have several underpaid stars like Travis Kelce, per the latest NFL Rumors.
Travis Kelce knows he's underpaid, that much is clear. Despite being arguably the best tight end in all of football, Kelce's contract now ranks third among all tight ends, as he makes $14.3 million per season. He is signed through the 2025 season.
While that may seem like a lot of money to the average folk, Kelce is making less than the likes of Darren Waller and George Kittle. One can make the argument about Kittle, but Waller is nowhere near the caliber of player Kelce is. Kelce has also accomplished more in his career than either player, winning two Super Bowls and making eight Pro Bowls. He is 33 years old, so it's unclear how many years he has left playing at this level.
Does he have time to secure another lucrative long-term deal?
NFL Rumors: Will Chiefs extend Travis Kelce?
"My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am," Kelce told Tom Kludt of Vanity Fair. "Any time I talk about wanting more money, they're just like, 'Why don't you go to the Chiefs and ask them?'"
When asked why he wouldn't take the Chiefs up on that, Kelce brought up a valid point — just look at what happened to Tyreek Hill. While Hill has since received his massive payday, he is no longer in Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes is no longer his quarterback. While it works for Tyreek, that isn't a reality Kelce wants to live in.
"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," Kelce said. "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."
For now, KC is under no pressure to extend Kelce until at least next offseason. That could all change if he turns up the heat, though.
