Over the years, the NFL has turned into a quarterback-driven league. Let’s face it, some of the most notable names are still Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, but two young men have added themselves to the conversation. The Super Bowl LVII showdown between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles gave us a sneak peek into the quarterbacks of the future. The recent contract extension of Jalen Hurts has reopened the debate about their rivalry and Mahomes’ real value. And now, Chiefs General Manger has come up to address the situation.
While Patrick Mahomes has enjoyed his fair share of hyped-up rivalries over the years, Jalen Hurts appears to be competing both on and off the field. Jalen Hurts has overtaken Patrick Mahomes in terms of the bread they earn, but the Chiefs intend to do right by their star and maybe Mahomes will reclaim his throne as the highest paid in the entire league.
The battle for the highest paid
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Back in 2020, Patrick Mahomes’ contract with the Chiefs appeared to be the best of the lot, signing for a 10-year, $450 million contract extension. But Jalen Hurts broke those numbers as he was offered a whopping five-year contract extension, worth up to $255 million, with a staggering $179.3 million in fully guaranteed money. While Mahomes still stands out in terms of the most money signed for, Hurts’ annual salary far outbids Mahomes.
But the question is for how long?
NFL athletes, specifically quarterbacks, tend to be overtly competitive when it comes to their contract negotiations, just look at Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson. And the Chiefs’ front office is well aware of it.
According to NBCSports, during his Thursday pre-draft press conference, Chiefs GM Brett Veach illuminated the room regarding Mahomes and his contract.
“We have a special relationship with [Mahomes] and his agent. We’re in constant communication, It’s one of those things — and I think coach [Andy Reid] hinted on this in his last press conference — where as soon as one guy gets done, it’s kind of the blueprint and the model. And a few years later, it’s jumped and exceeded” said Veach.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also reciprocated Veach’s sentiments as he said, “One crazy thing in this business, right when you sign a big deal, somebody’s going to beat you.”
Turns out the Chiefs are waiting for other veteran quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert to receive their end of the bargain. And maybe when it’s all in the books, the Chiefs’ front office and Patrick Mahomes will have something brewed up.
A team-friendly deal of Patrick Mahomes
Prior to receiving his mammoth contract, Jalen Hurts was on a rookie contract. Hurts and his rookie contract played a huge role in the Eagles revamping their roster, but that’s a model the Chiefs are all too familiar with.
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The Chiefs reworked Mahomes’ contract twice in the last two years, making cap space for further additions to their team.
Speaking on his unselfish superstar, Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said, “You can start chasing that and kind of forget about your job at hand, but Pat’s got a great feel for all that stuff, The main thing he wanted to do, which my hat just goes off to him, is he wanted to do a deal that was team-friendly so that we could sign — if you lose a left tackle, you could go out and sign another one and have that flexibility there.”
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Both Reid and Veach are well aware of what Pat Mahomes brings to the table, and going by their recent comments, maybe Mahomes is set to be rewarded again.