Andy Reid and Co have to decide on Kelce’s future as release speculation continues on the 35-year-old tight end following the Chiefs’ disappointing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
2
2
Kansas City will have a tough offseason ahead of them, as cap space is scarce for the AFC champion franchise.
They have $15 million to spend and could potentially lose some big names in the process.
While Kelce has yet to decide whether he will retire from the NFL, the Chiefs have the option to not pay the 10-time Pro Bowler, which would mean cutting him.
Kelce, the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, has a $19.8 million salary.
Read More on Travis Kelce
If Kansas City elects to cut Kelce, they would save $17.25 million – the same amount remaining on his contract.
On March 14, Kelce is also due an $11.5 million roster bonus.
The Chiefs would not pay that roster bonus if they were to cut the three-time Super Bowl champion.
If Kelce were to retire or get released, his current contract carries a $2.5 million of dead cap against a $19.8 cap hit this season (all figures from Spotrac).
He is coming off a disappointing regular season by his standards and a quiet performance in the Super Bowl 59 loss.
Plenty of retirement speculation has circulated on Kelce throughout the campaign.
On Wednesday, he addressed the retirement rumors on his New Heights podcast alongside his brother and co-host, Jason.
“I’m gonna take some time to figure it out,” Kelce said.
“And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision and I’m not half-a**ing it, and I’m fully here for them.”
“I think I can play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
Kelce won’t be the only Chiefs player’s future to keep an eye on.
Kansas City has 20 players set to become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins next month.
Among the players are offensive lineman Trey Smith, wide receiver Marquise Brown, linebacker Nick Bolton, defensive lineman Charles Owenihu, and safety Justin Reid.
Other than Kelce, the Chiefs could release other players to gain more cap space.
Discover more from Insight News Post | Latest Global News, Trends, and In-Depth Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
