“I don’t like that,” Travis Kelce voices hate as Saquon Barkley secures new contract with Eagles

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce isn’t mincing words over the Philadelphia Eagles’ latest blockbuster move. After star running back Saquon Barkley secured a record-breaking contract extension, Kelce openly criticized the deal’s structure on his New Heights podcast, sparking fiery debate. While fans celebrated Barkley’s well-earned payday following a historic 2,000-yard season, Kelce’s blunt disapproval reveals a deeper rift over how NFL contracts reward players—and who holds the power.

Kelce’s candid critique ignites NFL pay structure debate

The Eagles’ two-year, $36 million guaranteed deal for Saquon Barkley—making him the league’s highest-paid running back—was met with applause… until Kelce weighed in. During a heated podcast segment with brother Jason Travis Kelce, a former Eagles center, Travis lambasted the incentive-heavy terms tied to Pro Bowl nods, playoff success, and statistical milestones. “Eww, I don’t like that one bit,” he quipped. “Does he have to drop 2,000 yards every year to cash in?”

Jason defended the Eagles’ approach, explaining performance incentives are standard, especially for running backs. But Travis fired back, calling reliance on “someone’s vote” for Pro Bowl-related bonuses “messed up.” His critique highlights a growing tension in the NFL: Should contracts hinge on individual accolades, team success, or pure guaranteed cash?

Saquon Barkley’s brilliance vs. Travis Kelce’s concerns

Barkley’s deal, bolstered by $15 million in incentives, follows a career-defining season where he shattered records, becoming the ninth player ever to rush for 2,000 yards (including playoffs). Yet Travis Kelce’s skepticism underscores a harsh reality for running backs—a position often undervalued despite its physical toll. “Incentivizing greatness sounds fair, but it’s a gamble,” said sports analyst Dana Lee. “For every Barkley, there’s a star who falters after injury or bad luck.”

While Jason argued incentives “keep players hungry,” Travis doubled down: “If you ball out, pay upfront—no strings attached.” The clash between the Kelce brothers mirrors a league-wide divide. Stars like Christian McCaffrey have pushed for guaranteed money, while teams lean on bonuses to mitigate risk. Saquon Barkley’s contract, though lucrative, keeps Philadelphia’s financial flexibility intact—a win for management, but a sticking point for players like Travis.

Kelce’s critique isn’t just about Barkley—it’s a rallying cry for player empowerment. As the NFL grapples with balancing fair pay and fiscal caution, deals like this could set precedents. Saquon Barkley’s historic season earned him the bag, but Travis Kelce’s outcry begs the question: Should teams reward past performance or hedge against future uncertainty? One thing’s clear: This feud isn’t fading before kickoff.