Travis Kelce is staying put in Kansas City – and he's committed for the long haul.
The legendary tight end has officially put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth $54.7 million with the Chiefs, putting all those retirement whispers firmly to bed.
It's a proper statement of intent from the 36-year-old, who'll be suiting up for his 14th season with the franchise where he's spent his entire NFL career.
The news comes after weeks of speculation about whether Kelce might hang up his boots, but it turns out he's got plenty more football left in him.
Travis Kelce has signed a new contract with Chiefs, penning a three-year deal
|The contract, hammered out by agent Mike Simon, could climb as high as $57.7 million once incentives are factored in.
For the first year, Kelce will pocket $12 million in base salary, with an additional $3 million available through performance bonuses.
That works out to an average of more than $18 million per season across the full length of the deal.
It's worth noting that earlier reports had suggested Kelce was only signing a one-year, $12 million agreement – so the three-year commitment caught plenty of NFL fans off guard.
The exact guarantee structure hasn't been made public just yet.
Travis Kelce will be making more than $18 million per season across the full length of the deal
|REUTERS
Kelce himself has been refreshingly honest about what's driving him back onto the field.
Speaking on his New Heights podcast with brother Jason, he admitted the Chiefs' failure to make the playoffs last season left a bitter taste.
"Of course I want to come back," he said. "Of course I don't want to end my career not making the playoffs and not having one of the best years."
The three-time Super Bowl champion didn't mince words about his frustrations either.
"I f***ing hated the way that s*** ended last year. I wanna make it right. I wanna get another chance at another f***ing Super Bowl," Kelce added.
He's certainly earned the right to chase another ring.
Travis Kelce is desperate to win another Super Bowl
| GETTYKelce's CV reads like a tight end hall of fame application – 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honours, and three Super Bowl victories with Kansas City.
Over 13 seasons, he's racked up 1,080 catches for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns, cementing his place among the greatest at his position in NFL history.
Even with his numbers dipping slightly in recent campaigns, he still managed 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season.
The future Hall of Famer clearly isn't ready to walk away just yet.