NFL’s Best Bargain? Patrick Mahomes Leading Chiefs’ Dynasty Quest

It’s no secret that the Chiefs owe much of their success to Patrick Mahomes. But it’s not just the star quarterback’s on-field playmaking ability that has led to Kansas City making its fifth Super Bowl in six seasons and one game away from a historic three-peat.

While Mahomes has the largest contract in the NFL by total value—a 10-year, $450 million deal (all figures via Spotrac)—his average annual salary of $45 million is tied for 12th among quarterbacks (equal with now-backup Falcons signal-caller Kirk Cousins).

When Mahomes signed his deal in 2020, he became the highest-paid player in the league. But by 2022, he had been surpassed by four other quarterbacks. Right now, Dak Prescott’s $60 million average annual salary is the league’s highest.

Getting a Bargain?

Despite winning two more Super Bowls and a league MVP award since signing his contract, Mahomes hasn’t received a raise. In fact, he’s restructured his deal twice to help the Chiefs better manage the salary cap.

That helped the Chiefs ink extensions with key players like tight end Travis Kelce (two years, $34 million) and defensive end Chris Jones (five years, $158 million).

Mahomes could restructure his contract again. This season, his cap hit was $37 million, which is the fourth highest among quarterbacks (Kyler Murray’s $49.1 million was No. 1). For the next three seasons, his cap hits are set to be roughly $66 million, $68 million, and $64 million.

Secret Puzzle Piece

Andy Reid is reported to be the highest-paid coach in the NFL with a $20 million salary. But Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is a key piece of the machine, too.

“As long as they continue to let Spags be our defensive coordinator and not hire him as a head coach, we’re going to continue to win,” Jones said after the AFC championship game victory Sunday.

Spagnuolo received a contract extension last offseason that reportedly pays roughly $5 million per season. He was the head coach of the Rams from 2009 to 2011 when his team had an 11–41 record.