“My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am. Any time I talk about wanting more money, they’re just like, ‘Why don’t you go to the Chiefs and ask them?’” Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, had said drawing attention to the aspect that’s perhaps the least talked about in favor of his performances. However, no matter how underpaid—with a four year, $57.25 million contract he is—for Kelce, he’s always (unselfishly) chosen his team over money. But, looks like, his team might not be thinking the same, and would ultimately choose money over keeping him for one more season…

But before we get to that, Kelce was pretty clear: “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.” However, as heartbreaking as it is, the 2o24 season has been far from favorable for the tight end. From calls of retirement owing to lackluster performances, to now news of him being on the chopping block, the 2025 season looks too uncertain for the 35-year-old. Often described as “sluggish”, Kelce failed to impress during the Super Bowl LIX with just four catches on six targets for 39 yards despite setting the record for most career Super Bowl receptions, surpassing Jerry Rice (35), and also setting a record for most playoff receptions among NFL players. What’s more?

The past season was reportedly his least productive year in his 12-year NFL career—with 97 receptions for 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Surprisingly, that’s even lower that what Kelce had performed three years into being a Chiefs in 2015. Looks like something is clearly wrong, and Andy Reid senses that, too. But fears turned into reality when NFL.com’s Matt Okada’s stitched a compelling narrative that revealed how the veteran might be left behind this offseason…

We all know that Kelce is a future Hall of Famer, Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted weapon, and arguably one of the greatest tight ends ever. But in an article titled, “2025 NFL free agency: Davante Adams, Travis Kelce among 17 notable cut candidates on AFC teams”, from last week, the impossible seemed close to becoming reality.

If Travis Kelce doesn’t retire, the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly have a tough call to make. The team is left with restructuring his contract as an option. But, so is letting him go and saving a massive $17.3 million in cap space. This opinion has surely come after looking at his performance in the past two seasons. At 35 years old, it’s clear that his numbers aren’t what they used to be.

In two straight seasons, Travis Kelce completed under 1000 yards (984 in 2023 and 823 in 2024). In addition, he just scored 8 total touchdowns in both the years. The reality is harsh, as his efficiency has definitely taken a hit. Many will associate it with Taylor Swift, and some will associate it with his age. But what’s on the paper that matters the most? Kelce signed an extension worth $34.25 million last year, securing him with the Chiefs till 2027. But given the current situation, you can’t trust NFL business.

If this is indeed true, unfortunately, it won’t be the first time that Kansas City has split with legendary tight ends. I mean, the whole fiasco with Tony Gonzalez? Well, that’s as classic as mishandling can get. Unfortunately, Kelce seems to be headed down that same path, which was also confirmed by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz.

“This would be a very unpopular move, but Kelce’s contract is set up as an easy way for the Chiefs to gain cap space for 2025,” he said, before adding, “According to Roster Management System, cutting Kelce would cost the Chiefs only $2.5 million in dead money while saving them over $17 million on the salary cap. That’s important with the Chiefs currently having negative effective cap space (i.e. the cap space that they would have after signing at least 51 players and a projected rookie class).”

The reason? Well, the same-old performance drama. “And while Kelce still had some important catches in the postseason, his regular-season performance collapsed in 2024. Kelce ranked 38th out of 49 qualifying tight ends in receiving DVOA, and he ranked dead last among tight ends in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics.” 

So, here’s a heads-up: We cannot trust what will happen next, and Kelce’s Super Bowl performance is definitely going to play a role in that. However, if you ask his brother Jason Kelce, he’s got some very strong opinions acquitting his brother of any faults…

Travis Kelce’s big brother is spitting facts?

When you look back at the February 9 Super Bowl, you might think there were many things Andy Reid’s team could have done differently. But they weren’t able to. After losing to the Eagles, the head coach even admitted, “Compliment to our fans and all the support they’ve given us. Today was a rough day, didn’t really play well in any of the phases, didn’t coach good enough. They did a nice job.” However, if you ask Travis Kelce’s brother, he might have a different opinion.

While speaking to Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley on “The Steam Room” podcast, Jason Kelce expressed that the major problem was with the Chiefs’s offensive line. The entire season, KC reportedly trusted their defense, with slightly improving on the offense of the ball. But that wasn’t enough for a competition like the Super Bowl. As a result of this, opponents pressured Patrick Mahomes 16 times and completed the game with six sacks.

Travis Kelce’s team was just limited to 22-40, as they were left helpless in New Orleans. That’s the reason big brother said, “If they’re getting home with four, it’s going to be hard. They were so dominant up front – Philadelphia in that game. You can go to boots and play action to try and throw them off their pass rush, but when you’re not successful on first or second down and getting into conducive situations on third down, it will be really hard. I think there are always things you look back on that could have been done better.”

And according to Jason Kelce, Andy Reid couldn’t have done much in that situation. So, “…..to be honest with you. I think that was a team that very evidently needs to improve that position this offseason.” The entire problem was with the offense, as they hardly remained on the field for more than 10 minutes. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are now working on their offensive side, and who knows, Jason’s brother, Travis Kelce, could also be a piece to discuss for the team.