Travis Kelce’s decision could usher end of Chiefs dynasty but Patrick Mahomes has $450m reasons to be KC for life

Travis Kelce has almost walked away from the Kansas City Chiefs before.

Now, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history has a perfect path toward retirement.

The engagement heard around the world isn’t just about Kelce planning to marry pop music superstar Taylor Swift and a $550,000 ring.

“There is one gigantic piece of new news that just hit the waves,” brother Jason Kelce said on the latest New Heights podcast.

End could be near for one of NFL’s best

Travis Kelce is 35-years-old, already has one foot in Hollywood, and is set up for a fascinating post-NFL career the moment that he plays his final football game.

Andy Reid considered retirement in recent years, too, which means that two of the three biggest names that created the Chiefs’ dynasty have seriously contemplated leaving Kansas City behind.

As Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season approaches, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes possesses the largest contract in the league ($450 million) and signed a 10-year deal that is team friendly in regards to average annual value ($45m).

“He has built a contract that the Chiefs can constantly go get salary cap money out of,” NFL Insider Dan Graziano exclusively told talkSPORT.

But if Kelce rides off into the sunset with Swift, and the 67-year-old Reid coaches his final game with the Chiefs, would Mahomes be committed to Kansas City for the rest of his career?

Tom Brady once was a New England Patriot for life, while Peyton Manning was forever an Indianapolis Colt.

Joe Montana was the face of the San Francisco 49ers’ dynasty.

Aaron Rodgers spent the initial 18 years of his career putting up Hall of Fame numbers with the Green Bay Packers.

Four of the best QBs of all-time eventually played with different teams and left the franchises that drafted them.

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Graziano acknowledged that ‘it’s not guaranteed’ Mahomes finishes his career with the Chiefs.

But his investment in the Kansas City community and a contract that outlasts the NFL’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement work in the Chiefs’ favor.

Mahomes is dedicated to Kansas City

“He wants to be there for the rest of his career,” Graziano said.

Mahomes, 29, was drafted by Kansas City at No. 10 overall in 2017, and the Chiefs traded up to select the former Texas Tech QB and baseball player.

Mahomes has earned more than $232m during his eight pro seasons, and his current contract runs through 2031.

He’s 89-23 as the Chiefs’ QB and 17-4 in the playoffs, with three Super Bowl trophies, three SB MVPs, six Pro Bowl selections and two NFL MVP awards.

Brady has compared himself to Mahomes, and the former Texas Tech gunslinger has become irreplaceable for the Chiefs.

“Things unraveled pretty well for the Chiefs last year and they still made the Super Bowl,” Graziano said.

“Mahomes kind of carried them there.” 

Kelce and Swift have a huge marriage to plan.

Big Red could be in his final season coaching the Chiefs, and that’s been the case for years.

Mahomes appears to be committed to Kansas City into the next decade.

But Brady spent 20 years in New England, then fell out with Bill Belichick and wore a Tampa Bay uniform for his final three seasons.

Chief for life?

Patrick Mahomes' contract

Total value: $450 million
Average annual value: $45m
Length: 10 years
Expires: 2031
Career earnings: $232m
2025 breakdown: Base salary of $1.2m, restructure bonus of $47.7m, workout bonus of $1m, salary cap hit of $28m

The best era in Chiefs history will continue on September 5 when Kansas City kicks off its 2025 season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil.

The game in Sao Paulo will be streamed for free on YouTube.

“It makes sense to look down the road and imagine these things,” Graziano said.

“Of course, anything’s possible and … we’ve seen it. But, right now, I don’t think (the Chiefs are) viewing themselves as looking over the precipice of anything.”

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