There could be a three-way bidding war for Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, and it has nothing to do with him on the football field
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the league’s most recognizable players, Travis Kelce, and he could stay on TV.
Heading into this season, offseason rumors suggested Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce would retire. He obviously decided to come back. But if he’s been contemplating retirement for the last few years, surely it’s right around the corner, right?
If it is this next season, reports say we already have a sense of what Kelce plans to do after football. Some report that he wants to get in the broadcast booth to help call games. Of course, he would be the color analyst next to some esteemed play-by-play caller. But which one? He could be in a three-way bidding war.
“Last year, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen were inquiring with Amazon about whether or not the Prime Video spot would be available this year, and Kirk Herbstreit was still under contract,” Mike Florio said on Pardon My Take. “So, Kelce was looking at this last year. He’s already got the relationship with Amazon with New Heights, but his brother’s already got the relationship in place with ESPN, and he’s going to be the one.
“He’s going to be the one they all want. And as it stands, CBS is going to be looking, ESPN is going to be looking, and Prime Video did that extension with Herbstreit, which basically has a clause that says if we find anyone better, we can tear up your contract. So there could be a three-way bidding war for Travis Kelce, and I think they’re all going to want him. And I think he’s going to be in a booth somewhere next year.”
Which broadcast booth is Travis Kelce more likely to join?
Right now, Troy Aikman and ESPN are in contract disputes. Aikman’s play-by-play partner, Joe Buck, just signed a contract extension. Meanwhile, Aikman has not had any conversations with ESPN about an extension. So that Monday Night Football spot could go to a former player/coach. Maybe that’s Kelce?
Or maybe it’s Greg Olsen, who would love to get off Sunday games. He’s currently involved in a lot of sporting events with his younger kids. He likely wants to be more present on weekends with his family and help them with their sports. So, he may push for that MNF spot.
As for Kelce, he doesn’t have any kids right now. So, his flexibility is more up in the air. Then again, that may not matter if ESPN would rather have Kelce and offers him a bigger contract than any of those other broadcast companies. So, at this point, it’s safe to say that we will still get to see Kelce around the NFL, much like his brother still is. For now, the Chiefs are worried about the Los Angeles Chargers, whom they will play after their bye week.
