You are currently viewing ‘I don’t like that’ – Travis Kelce explains why he has big issue with Saquon Barkley’s new $41m Eagles contract

‘I don’t like that’ – Travis Kelce explains why he has big issue with Saquon Barkley’s new $41m Eagles contract

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Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid running back in the NFL but his contract has been subject to debate.

The 28-year-old signed a two-year extension with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $41.2 million but fellow NFL star Travis Kelce has an objection to the deal.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 to win Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Barkley secured Super Bowl glory with the Eagles just 11 months after leaving the Giants
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After a historic season for the Eagles which ended in a Super Bowl, Barkley was rewarded with a new deal just one year into his current terms.

It came after Barkley had one of the best seasons ever by a running back as he rushed for 2,504 yards across the regular season and postseason, breaking the single-season record previously held by Terrell Davis.

He was also named to his third Pro Bowl, was selected as a first-team All-Pro, and won the NFL‘s Offensive Player of the Year award.

However, one aspect of Barkley’s contract has caused a bit of stir due to it being reliant upon incentives.

Barkley’s $41 million contract includes $36 million guaranteed but the remaining amount is in incentives and escalators.

The Kelce brothers, who praised Barkley for his new contract, lightly-heartedly criticised the amount of incentive money that was in the deal.

“Ew,” Travis Kelce said when Jason Kelce mentioned that $15 million of Barkley’s contract was in the form of incentives.

“I don’t like that. I don’t like that one bit.”

Jason laughed off the line, with Travis quickly following up, saying “Does he have to get a 2,000-yard season every year? F—.”

Travis was then shocked to find out Jason’s contract regularly had incentives in it too, including being named as an All-Pro or Pro Bowler.

Travis Kelce had a sharp reaction to Barkley’s new contract
Getty

“So you have to rely on someone’s vote to get your incentive?” Travis asked. “Ew! Damn, that’s f—ed up.”

However, Barkley’s contract does have a whopping $36 million guaranteed, so he is being compensated very well by his team relative to other backs in the league.

Last season, the top-paid back in the league, Christian McCaffrey, was making $16 million a year on average.

There were just six running backs making more than $10 million a year, including Barkley at about $13 million.

Barkley himself seem delighted at his new deal when he shared his reaction on social media last week.

“Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles Organization , grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly,” Barkley posted to X on Tuesday.

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