Amid the ever-escalating price of elite quarterbacks, former NFL MVP and Cincinnati Bengals legend Boomer Esiason hinted that Chief QB Patrick Mahomes might be on the brink of signing an unprecedented $70 million-per-year contract.
Esiason’s Monday comments did not come isolatedly. Initially, he weighed in on a separate discussion over Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins, who was reportedly ready to accept less money to stay with the team and play alongside star QB, Joe Burrow and fellow WR Ja’Marr Chase.
As a fan responded, referencing Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who are known for restructuring deals to aid team-building.
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But Esiason quickly countered. He tweeted:
"QBs who make a ton of off the field. Tee was a 2nd round pick its time for him to see the. He’s earned it."
As another fan chimed in with how while Mahomes’ contract was team-friendly in structure, it didn’t lack in financial heft, Boomer Esiason once again quote-tweeted, writing:
"And he’ll sign another as he’s earned it. 70 mil per year??
Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s crown jewel. He has redefined QB play since entering the league in 2017. Mahomes's skill at delivering under pressure, alongside his marketability off the field, makes him a prime candidate who can very well shatter all previous contract benchmarks.
The two-time NFL MVP, who is on a quest to his Super Bowl three-peat with the Chiefs is already under a 10-year contract worth, $450 million contract. It was signed in 2020.
Patrick Mahomes' 2020 deal with the Kansas City Chiefs has gone through adjustments
In September 2023, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes agreed to a restructured contract, which guarantees him $210.6 million between 2023 and 2026.
As reported by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the renegotiated terms also include the potential to balloon to $218.1 million through performance escalators.
Notably, the deal’s adjustments effectively carve out the latter years of Patrick Mahomes’ initial 10-year, $450 million agreement. The restructuring reduced it to a more flexible three-year horizon and by 2026, both sides will be able to revisit the contract.
It’s a smart move by the Chiefs to match Mahomes’ pay with his major contributions.
As quarterback salaries soared, Mahomes’ $45 million yearly average began to look modest. By 2023, he had dropped to eighth among the highest-paid QBs, behind players like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. For someone of Mahomes’ caliber, this was unacceptable. Thus, the Chiefs stepped in and compensated him fairly. That said, Mahomes has never publicly clamored for contract adjustments.
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