Travis Kelce calls out Eagles for loopholes in Saquon Barkley’s new contract

In a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, discussed Saquon Barkley’s new two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles. While they praised Barkley’s performance and leadership, they expressed concerns about the contract’s incentive structure, which includes $15 million tied to performance milestones.

Travis Kelce voiced his unease about the reliance on incentives, questioning the fairness of requiring players to achieve specific performance metrics, such as 2,000-yard seasons, to earn their full compensation. He also highlighted the potential issue of incentives based on external voting, such as Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections, which are beyond a player’s control.

Jason Kelce shared his perspective, noting that during his tenure with the Eagles, his contracts included incentives for team achievements and personal accolades. However, he acknowledged the challenges of incentive-based contracts, especially when they depend on factors outside a player’s direct influence.

The Kelce brothers agreed that Barkley deserves every penny of his new contract but expressed reservations about the heavy reliance on incentives, suggesting that such structures might not fully reflect a player’s value and contributions.

This discussion sheds light on broader concerns within the NFL regarding contract structures and the balance between guaranteed salaries and performance-based incentives.