Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce faces a crucial March 15 deadline to decide on his retirement following the team's devastating 40-22 Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, it has been claimed.
The 10-time Pro Bowler must make his decision by this date due to an $11.5 million roster bonus that becomes due, which will significantly impact the Chiefs' salary cap situation.
The deadline comes as part of Kelce's restructured two-year, £34.5 million contract signed before the 2024 season, with the bonus representing a substantial portion of his 2025 compensation.
The Chiefs' Super Bowl defeat came as a shock following their most successful regular season to date, which saw them secure a franchise-record 15 wins and their ninth consecutive AFC West title.
Kansas City had shown their championship credentials by defeating the Houston Texans in the divisional round before overcoming MVP Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills.
However, the team's performance fell flat at the Superdome against the Eagles, with Kelce managing just four catches for 39 yards.
The disappointing showing in what could be his final game has intensified speculation about the tight end's future with the team.
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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed confidence in his teammate's ability to continue playing at the highest level.
"He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it," Mahomes said. "He always makes plays in the biggest moments, but it's if he wants to put in that grind."
The quarterback acknowledged Kelce's Hall of Fame credentials whilst respecting his right to make a personal decision.
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"He's done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Mahomes added. "I know he still has love for the game, and he'll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own."
The March 15 deadline represents a critical juncture for both Kelce and the Chiefs' financial planning.
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According to AtoZ Sports' Charles Goldman, the $11.5 million roster bonus will count toward the Chiefs' 2025 salary cap, making it a "soft deadline" for Kelce's retirement decision.
While the bonus payment could potentially be delayed, such an arrangement would complicate the Chiefs' free agency strategy.
Should Kelce choose to retire after receiving the bonus, he could opt to repay it to Kansas City, though any delay could impact the team's ability to pursue prime free agents.
The remaining £1 million of Kelce's bonus isn't due until August.
Find Out More...
The 10-time Pro Bowler must make his decision by this date due to an $11.5 million roster bonus that becomes due, which will significantly impact the Chiefs' salary cap situation.
The deadline comes as part of Kelce's restructured two-year, £34.5 million contract signed before the 2024 season, with the bonus representing a substantial portion of his 2025 compensation.
The Chiefs' Super Bowl defeat came as a shock following their most successful regular season to date, which saw them secure a franchise-record 15 wins and their ninth consecutive AFC West title.
Kansas City had shown their championship credentials by defeating the Houston Texans in the divisional round before overcoming MVP Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills.
However, the team's performance fell flat at the Superdome against the Eagles, with Kelce managing just four catches for 39 yards.
The disappointing showing in what could be his final game has intensified speculation about the tight end's future with the team.
JUST IN: Patrick Mahomes makes feelings clear with four-word message to Jalen Hurts after Super Bowl loss
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed confidence in his teammate's ability to continue playing at the highest level.
"He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it," Mahomes said. "He always makes plays in the biggest moments, but it's if he wants to put in that grind."
The quarterback acknowledged Kelce's Hall of Fame credentials whilst respecting his right to make a personal decision.
READ MORE: Luke Littler banned from darts tournament, stopping him from defending title
"He's done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Mahomes added. "I know he still has love for the game, and he'll get to spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own."
The March 15 deadline represents a critical juncture for both Kelce and the Chiefs' financial planning.
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According to AtoZ Sports' Charles Goldman, the $11.5 million roster bonus will count toward the Chiefs' 2025 salary cap, making it a "soft deadline" for Kelce's retirement decision.
While the bonus payment could potentially be delayed, such an arrangement would complicate the Chiefs' free agency strategy.
Should Kelce choose to retire after receiving the bonus, he could opt to repay it to Kansas City, though any delay could impact the team's ability to pursue prime free agents.
The remaining £1 million of Kelce's bonus isn't due until August.
Find Out More...