T here is no doubt that the
Kansas City Chiefs have a quarterback whom many consider to be the best in the NFL. Without question, based on what he's accomplished since entering the league in the 2017 NFL Draft,
Patrick Mahomes will one day be a Hall of Famer when he retires. But that day is far off, and we'll get to enjoy watching Mahomes for many more years. In his first year, Mahomes sat on the bench learning behind Alex Smith, but in his first-ever start - the final week of his rookie season against the Denver Broncos - he already looked impressive.
By 2018, he was the starter from Week 1 and immediately proved to be the league's best, earning NFL MVP honors that season. The former Texas Tech star is either already in the conversation with legends like Joe Montana and Tom Brady , or he soon will be - and he still has a long career ahead of him in the NFL.
The big debt the Chiefs owe Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs will continue to be contenders in the NFL as long as Patrick Mahomes is leading their offense. Which is why Kansas City might be treating their legendary quarterback unfairly right now.
The issue is money. Incredibly, 12 quarterbacks in the NFL are currently making more than Mahomes, and this disparity became more glaring after the San Francisco 49ers signed Brock Purdy to a 5-year, $265 million extension. Mahomes, who earns $45 million per year , is paid less than players like
Deshaun Watson, who has shown very little with the Cleveland Browns and is currently injured. He's also making less than
Dak Prescott, who earns $60 million annually and hasn't accomplished much, especially in the playoffs. The truth is, no quarterback should be earning more than Patrick Mahomes.
You could argue for Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow , all NFL stars - but none have matched Mahomes in personal achievements or team success. Mahomes' current contract runs through age 36, but he has said he'd like to play until he's 40. So the Chiefs should have no problem restructuring his deal and giving more to a man who has practically given the franchise everything. According to reports, there could be news next summer about a new contract for Patrick Mahomes.
And keep an eye on what happens with the Baltimore Ravens, as head coach John Harbaugh has mentioned that they plan to make Lamar Jackson the highest-paid quarterback in history.
