Kansas City Chiefs could consider releasing tight end Travis Kelce to create salary cap space, according to a new ESPN analysis.
The Chiefs would save $17 million against the 2025 salary cap by cutting Kelce, while absorbing just $2.5 million in dead money, per ESPN’s Aaron Schatz.
“This would be a very unpopular move, but Kelce’s contract is set up as an easy way for the Chiefs to gain cap space for 2025,” Schatz wrote.
Kelce, 35, caught 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games during the 2024 season. His production declined from previous years, though he remained a key contributor in Kansas City’s Super Bowl run.
The former Cincinnati Bearcats star has transformed from a college player with modest statistics – 59 catches, 875 yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons – into one of the NFL’s premier tight ends.
Kansas City faces decisions on several pending free agents this offseason. The team currently projects to have negative effective cap space for 2025, factoring in a rookie class and minimum roster requirements.
Kelce’s increased public profile, particularly through his relationship with Taylor Swift, has made him one of the NFL’s most recognizable players. He previously indicated he plans to return for the 2025 season after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss.
The eight-time Pro Bowler ranks among the most productive tight ends in NFL history. His 11,328 career receiving yards place him behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten at the position.
The Chiefs must make roster decisions by the start of the new league year in March.
