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Travis Kelce remains a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the battle for his post-playing career is already heating up. On Friday's episode of Pardon My Take, Pro Football Talk founder Mike Florio forecasted that Kelce will be a hot commodity in the broadcasting market next offseason, with CBS, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video potentially engaged in a three-way bidding war.
Florio's prediction came just a day after Troy Aikman suggested he might leave ESPN after this season, as he has yet to sign a contract extension with the network. Aikman noted that he will be a free agent at the end of the season and is eager to explore other opportunities. His booth partner, Joe Buck, recently signed a six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN.
According to Florio, Kelce has been interested in a broadcasting role for some time. "Last year, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen were inquiring with Amazon about whether or not the Prime Video spot would be available this year, and Kirk Herbstreit was still under contract," Florio explained. "He's already got the relationship with Amazon with 'New Heights,' but his brother's already got the relationship in place with ESPN, and he's going to be the one. He's going to be the one they all want." Amazon distributes "New Heights," the podcast Travis co-hosts with his brother Jason, who is an ESPN analyst.
Florio believes all three networks could be in the market for a high-profile hire like Kelce. "As it stands, CBS is going to be looking, ESPN is going to be looking, and Prime Video did that extension with Herbstreit, which basically has a clause that says if we find anyone better, we can tear up your contract," Florio said. CBS recently parted ways with Tony Romo and will keep J.J. Watt alongside Jim Nantz for the remainder of the season. Herbstreit's extension reportedly allows Prime Video to pursue other options if Rams head coach Sean McVay or another top target becomes available, as Florio noted. Florio also mentioned McVay as a potential candidate for Amazon and ESPN, but he predicted that Kelce would be the networks' first choice.
Kelce has become a household name due to his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift and his massively successful podcast. "There could be a three-way bidding war for Travis Kelce, and I think they're all going to want him. And I think he's going to be in a booth somewhere next year," Florio concluded.
Key Analysis
Florio's prediction caps a tense week for ESPN's top booth. On Wednesday, Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported that Aikman and Buck argued over their contract situations in the booth before Monday's game between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. Aikman addressed the matter Thursday on 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas, and his comments made headlines. He spoke about finding his "next landing spot." Later Thursday, Aikman elaborated to Jimmy Traina: "It just seems to be where they're going, that they're gonna go in a different direction because there's been no talks, no contract negotiations." He added that the Super Bowl is Feb. 14 and his contract ends in March. For now, Aikman and Buck will continue calling games together through the Super Bowl. Kelce still has the rest of the season to play in Kansas City, and whether the booth comes next is a decision only he can make.
Originally reported by yahoo.