The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, their first playoff miss since 2014. Now, as the franchise recalibrates around an injured Patrick Mahomes and looming cap challenges, another major question hangs over the offseason: Travis Kelce’s future.
And according to one NFL insider, Kelce could have a massive payday waiting if he decides to walk away.
Broadcasting Buzz Builds Around Travis Kelce
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Kelce may be eyeing one more season in Kansas City before pivoting to television, where significant money awaits.
“Travis Kelce appears as if he will try to play another season before potentially trying broadcasting, where he would like to call games, but probably could pick up at least $15 million per year as a studio presence,” Marchand wrote.
That figure would immediately place Kelce among the highest-paid personalities in sports media. For context, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman signed a combined $165 million deal with ESPN in 2022. Tom Brady signed a $375 million contract with Fox. Tony Romo’s CBS deal reportedly pays $180 million.
Kelce, 36, is no stranger to the spotlight. He has hosted “Saturday Night Live,” signed with CAA for off-field representation, starred in FX’s “Grotesquerie,” and hosted Amazon Prime Video’s “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?” His celebrity profile has only grown since his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift became public.
Still, football remains in play.
Kelce is coming off a respectable season with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns. While his production has dipped from his All-Pro peak, he remains a central piece of Kansas City’s offense. The Chiefs have expressed interest in bringing him back for another run.
During a recent episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce acknowledged the internal debate.
“There’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there,” he said. “If my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel content that I can go out there and give it another run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat.”
The broadcasting landscape could soon create openings. Al Michaels is potentially nearing retirement. Kirk Herbstreit’s Amazon deal expires after next season. Major studio positions are also shifting across CBS, NBC, and Fox.
Marchand even described Kelce as a potential “wild card” candidate for Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” booth if changes occur.
For Kansas City, the implications are clear. If Kelce returns, the offense retains one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets. If he steps away, the Chiefs would face a significant void both on the field and in leadership.
Kelce was ranked 12th in the NFL in PFSN’s TE Impact Score through 17 games, with an 80.6 grade. And the Chiefs are ranked 17th in offense with a 74.3 grade in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
Kelce has said he wants to make his decision before free agency and the draft ramp-up. For now, the expectation appears to be one more season.
After that, a $15 million microphone might just be waiting for him.
