Travis is considered a huge star in the NFL, yet his salary is fairly modest for a big superstar.
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In 2020, he signed a 4-year, $57.25 million contract extension. This puts his at around $14 million every year, but he could likely earn a lot more if he left the Kansas City Chiefs for a team with the ability to spend more money on players. The Chiefs have had to let star players go in the past few years due to salary cap constraints.
Their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, carries a huge salary.
Travis was asked why he accepts such a low salary in comparison to other star players, who often demand a much larger paycheck.
“My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am. Any time I talk about wanting more money, they’re just like, ‘Why don’t you go to the Chiefs and ask them?’”
He continued, “When I saw [former teammate] Tyreek [Hill] go and get 30 [million] a year, in the back of my head, I was like, man, that’s two to three times what I’m making right now.”
So why does he continue taking a “lower” salary? “I’m like, the free market looks like fun until you go somewhere and you don’t win. I love winning. I love the situation I’m in.”
If Travis were to play elsewhere, he risks not being on a playoff caliber team due to constant salary cap constraints. The Chiefs are nearly always in playoff/Super Bowl contention due to the stars on their roster taking lower salaries.