KANSAS CIY, Mo., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The Kansas Chiefs announced Friday they have agreed to terms with star tight end Tony Gonzalez on a seven-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but a "source familiar with the contract" told the Kansas City Star that the deal is worth at least $21.5 million over the first five years, after which the contract likely will be voided.
Gonzalez also reportedly will receive a $10 million signing bonus -- $6 million now, $2.5 million next year and $1.5 million in 2004. Two weeks ago, Gonzalez accepted a one-year tender offer of $3.05 million.
"It's something I've worked hard for for a long time," he said.
Gonzalez is the premier tight end in the NFL, totaling 339 receptions for 4,045 yards and 31 touchdowns. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Gonzalez needs 78 catches to pass Henry Marshall (416) for the franchise record.
Despite his excellence on the field, the Chiefs had been unwilling to satisfy Gonzalez's financial needs. He surprised the Chiefs this year when he played for the NBA's Miami Heat in a summer league.
The 1997 first-round draft pick was a two-sport star at the University of California and has not given up on playing professional basketball.
"I'm still going to play," he told the Star. "But like I've said before, this is probably my last year trying to do it. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work."
In his first season in coach Dick Vermeil's system, Gonzalez's production dropped from 93 to 73 catches last year.
Gonzalez had five grabs for 87 yards and a score in the Chiefs' 40-39 season-opening victory over the Cleveland Browns last week. Kansas City hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
