Before the Kansas City Chiefs began their first full week of training camp on July 29, reigning champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes found himself notably lower on a prominent NFL ranking list. This shift in status among his peers isn’t due to a decline in his talent or achievements, but rather the result of recent changes in the league’s financial landscape.
This offseason, quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Tua Tagovailoa secured substantial contract extensions, each averaging over $53 million per season. Consequently, Mahomes, whose average annual value (AAV) is $45 million, has fallen out of the top 10 for highest-paid quarterbacks. Despite this, the Chiefs are pleased with the current situation, and Mahomes himself is unfazed.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Mahomes expressed that he doesn’t feel underpaid. He praised the team for their financial management, which has allowed him to receive a significant salary while maintaining a strong roster. He emphasized the importance of good communication with the front office and ownership in managing his compensation and team-building efforts.
Mahomes’ response reflects his characteristic humility and leadership, aligning with his on-field performance. However, the reality of his lower salary ranking compared to recent contracts reveals a discrepancy. Currently, Mahomes’ $45 million AAV ties him with veteran Kirk Cousins, placing him 11th among quarterbacks. Of the 10 quarterbacks with higher salaries, only Joe Burrow ($55 million) and Jalen Hurts ($51 million) have Super Bowl appearances.
In summary, while Mahomes remains a top player in the league, his salary has been overshadowed by the recent surge in quarterback contracts.
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