When Patrick Mahomes signed his groundbreaking 10-year, $450 million contract in July 2020, it sent shockwaves through the sports world. The deal, which included incentives pushing it over $500 million, was the richest in American sports history. At the time, it was viewed as a one-of-a-kind agreement tailored to a generational talent—a player so exceptional that his contract didn’t necessarily reset the quarterback market because Mahomes was considered unique.
Fast forward to today, and the NFL quarterback market has surged to unprecedented heights. Even middle-tier quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa are commanding deals exceeding $50 million annually. Meanwhile, stars like Dak Prescott have set new benchmarks, with contracts topping $60 million per year. In contrast, Mahomes’ deal, once jaw-dropping, now looks like a bargain.
The Evolution of Mahomes’ Value
Since signing his historic contract, Mahomes has only solidified his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He’s added two Super Bowl titles to his résumé, earned two Pro Bowl selections, and led the league in passing yards in 2021 with an astonishing 5,250 yards. Mahomes currently holds the all-time postseason quarterback rating record at 105.8 and has guided the Kansas City Chiefs to a league-best 15-1 record this season.
Despite his dominance, Mahomes’ contract now lags behind the top-tier deals being handed out to lesser quarterbacks. As the NFL’s salary cap continues to rise, the Chiefs are expected to revisit Mahomes’ deal in the near future, potentially as soon as the next offseason.
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Boomer Esiason’s Bold Prediction
Former NFL MVP and Super Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason recently weighed in on Mahomes’ contract situation. In a post on Twitter/X, Esiason speculated that when the Chiefs and Mahomes renegotiate, the star quarterback could become the first player in NFL history to earn $70 million annually.
This projection underscores how Mahomes’ on-field success and the ever-growing quarterback market are converging to make such a figure not only possible but likely.
The Path to $70 Million
The Chiefs have previously adjusted Mahomes’ contract to keep pace with the market. In the past, they’ve restructured his deal by moving future money into the short term, ensuring his compensation remained competitive without fully renegotiating. However, these temporary fixes won’t suffice indefinitely.
Mahomes is slated to earn an average of $67 million per year over the next three years in terms of cash flow. While this figure keeps him near the top of the pay scale, it’s clear that a complete overhaul of his deal is on the horizon. Given Mahomes’ sustained excellence and the trajectory of NFL contracts, $70 million annually could very well be the starting point for negotiations.
Mahomes’ Legacy and the Future of Quarterback Contracts
If Mahomes signs a new deal at $70 million per year, it will set a new precedent for NFL quarterback contracts, reaffirming his position as the face of the league. His combination of on-field performance, leadership, and marketability makes him a unique asset, not just for the Chiefs but for the NFL as a whole.
The Chiefs’ willingness to invest heavily in Mahomes reflects their recognition of his unparalleled value. For Kansas City, ensuring Mahomes remains happy and well-compensated is not just a financial decision—it’s a commitment to continued championship contention.
Looking Ahead
As the Chiefs and Mahomes prepare to revisit his contract, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Mahomes has already proven he’s worth every penny of his current deal, and his next contract will likely redefine what’s possible for elite NFL players.
For fans, analysts, and players alike, the renegotiation of Mahomes’ contract will be a pivotal moment in NFL history.
It won’t just set a new standard for quarterback pay—it will underscore Mahomes’ status as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the gridiron.
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