The $12.5 million reason Chiefs are setting firm Travis Kelce deadline

The Chiefs are giving their star tight end a deadline to inform them of his future plans.

Travis Kelce has been contemplating his NFL future since the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl last weekend to the Eagles in a lopsided game in New Orleans. 

But a report from The Athletic indicated that Chiefs want Kelce to inform them of his decision by around March 14, which is right when the new league year begins and free agency signing period opens.

Travis Kelce walks off the field after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 2025 loss to the Eagles. AP

Kelce is also due a $12.5 million roster bonus on March 15, according to Over The Cap.

Kelce has one year left on his current contract with the Chiefs, who he has played his entire career with in the NFL. 

The tight end has not signaled one way or another if he would keep playing. 

Patrick Mahomes addressed the topic after the Super Bowl and said Kelce deserves time to figure out what he’s going to do. 

Travis Kelce celebrates after catching a pass during the Chiefs’ win over the Texans in the AFC divisional round. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL and been such a joy, not only for me to work with but for people to watch,” Mahomes said. “He knows he still has a lot of football left in him. You can see it. He always makes plays in the biggest moments, but it’s if he wants to put in that grind because it’s a grind to go out there and play 20 games and get to the Super Bowl. 

“He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but I know he still has a love for the game.”

NFL insider James Palmer reported Wednesday that people within the organization also believe that this past season was “it” for Kelce. 

During this week’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce said he was “just kicking everything down the road.”