Justin Jefferson's record contract proves Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is the best value in football
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson's record contract extension puts Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce's value into perspective. Receivers around the NFL are licking their chops for an upcoming payday after Jefferson's new deal. He earned a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The agreement makes him both the […]
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson's record contract extension puts Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce's value into perspective.
Receivers around the NFL are licking their chops for an upcoming payday after Jefferson's new deal. He earned a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The agreement makes him both the highest-paid WR in NFL history and the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. He'll make $35M per year annually, a number only topped by the NFL's best quarterbacks.
There is little doubt that Jefferson is deserving of such a massive payday, but the deal really emphasizes just how incredible it is for a team like the Chiefs to have a dynamic superstar tight end. It's a massive advantage, just from a financial perspective alone.
Travis Kelce remains one of the best bargains in the NFL.
Looking at their last four years of production, Jefferson and Kelce are neck-and-neck as two of the most productive players in the NFL's regular season.
| Player | Justin Jeffeson | Travis Kelce |
|---|---|---|
Catches | 392 | 400 |
Yards | 5899 | 4863 |
Touchdowns | 31 | 37 |
The above table doesn't even include accolades like Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, and Super Bowl titles. It also doesn't include postseason stats, which gives Kelce a major advantage. It's like having a whole extra season of play under his belt.
Kelce just received a contract adjustment this past offseason, but he still doesn't even make half of what Jefferson makes on a per-year average. He's the highest-paid tight end in the NFL and doesn't make half of what the highest-paid wide receiver makes on a per-year basis, even though he's equally productive as a receiver, if not more efficient in some categories.
Kelce will make over $111 million throughout his entire career if he plays out the final two years of his contract. Jefferson is making $140 million over the next four seasons alone.
Just let that sink in.
With the wide receiver market exploding, it might be prudent for the Chiefs to continue emphasizing finding productive receiving tight ends. Kelce won't be around forever as he's in the twilight of his NFL career and has a bright future ahead of him. If you can get the same production for half the cost, why not make that a continued focal point of your offense? Jared Wiley could be more valuable from a financial standpoint than Xavier Worthy if this financial trend doesn't normalize in the future.
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