Travis Kelce unhappy with Saquon Barkley’s new contract, criticizes Eagles as Jason tries to calm him down

The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to extend Saquon Barkley’s contract was widely celebrated, especially after the star running back’s record-breaking 2,000-yard season. The two-year extension, which made Barkley the highest-paid running back in the league, seemed like a fitting reward for one of the most dominant offensive players in the NFL.  However, not everyone was impressed with the details of the deal-and Travis Kelce made his feelings known.

Travis Kelce’s issue with Barkley’s incentive-laden deal

Speaking on the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end was quick to voice his disapproval of the contract structure.  “Eww,” Kelce said bluntly when discussing the $36 million in guaranteed money included in Barkley’s deal. “I don’t like that one bit. … Does he have to get a 2,000-yard season every year?”

Barkley’s contract also includes an additional $15 million in incentives, which would be triggered based on individual and team performance benchmarks. This includes playoff success, Pro Bowl selections, and statistical milestones, something that did not sit well with Kelce.

While Jason Kelce defended the Eagles’ approach, explaining that incentives tied to performance were common in NFL contracts, Travis remained unconvinced.  “The way I used to be structured, there’d be like playoff incentives, Super Bowl incentives, Pro Bowls, All-Pros,” Jason explained. “And then with running backs, you usually add in yards.”  Travis, however, had a major issue with the reliance on external factors like Pro Bowl votes affecting a player’s salary.  “So you have to rely on someone’s vote to get your incentive? That’s (expletive) up,” he said.

While Travis Kelce may not like the structure of the contract, there’s no denying that Barkley’s deal came after one of the greatest single-season performances in NFL history.  The former Offensive Player of the Year became just the ninth player ever to rush for 2,000 yards, setting a new NFL record for total rushing yards in a season, including playoff games.