The four best values on the Kansas City Chiefs roster
By Jacob Milham
TE Travis Kelce
2021 stats: 16 games, 16 starts, 11 AV, 92 receptions, 1,125 yards, 9 touchdowns
Contract: Four years, $57,250,000
2022 cap hit: $8,855,872
Cap hit rank: 7th amongst NFL tight ends
Many franchises do not boast a single position player in their respective greatest-of-all-time conversation. Kansas City has had two in the past two decades. One has a bust in Canton, while tight end Travis Kelce might be even better.
Kelce is one of the NFL’s most recognizable stars, both on and off the field. From All-Pro accolades to his own reality show, Kelce is the quintessential NFL superstar. However, there is no denying Kelce is in the back half of his career. The 32-year-old has still posted six-straight seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards, something that no tight end has ever done. Kelce’s consistency and rapport with his teammates make him integral to the Chiefs’ success.
Kelce has played at least 15 games each season since 2013, and his durability only adds to his value. While the extension he signed in 2020 seemed fair at the time, the deal has been a massive steal for Kansas City. Kelce’s cap hit ranks below several other tight ends, such as Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Dalton Schultz. None of those three come close to Kelce’s production or value to their respective teams.
Kelce’s deal and small-cap space have given the Chiefs more financial flexibility, considering Kelce is certainly worth more. All signs point to Kelce retiring in a Chiefs uniform, and that makes fans happy. Kelce has done this team and fanbase a great service, by prioritizing success and the team over financial gain.