The Kansas City Chiefs have locked down their star center, Creed Humphrey, with a historic contract extension, solidifying their offensive line for years to come. The deal ensures Patrick Mahomes continues to have elite protection.
The Kansas City Chiefs prioritized protecting their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, by signing center Creed Humphrey to a groundbreaking four-year contract extension worth $72 million. This monumental deal sets a new standard for centers in the NFL, reflecting Humphrey’s exceptional performance and crucial role in the Chiefs’ offensive success. The agreement includes a staggering $50 million in guaranteed money, further emphasizing the Chiefs’ commitment to their young star.
Humphrey’s Impact on the Chiefs’ Offense
Head Coach Andy Reid praised Humphrey’s consistent excellence, highlighting his significant contributions to the team since being drafted in the second round from Oklahoma in 2021. Humphrey has started every game since joining the Chiefs, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of their offensive line. His exceptional pass-blocking skills have been instrumental in safeguarding Mahomes and allowing the Chiefs’ high-powered offense to flourish.
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
A Historic Deal for a Rising Star
Humphrey’s new contract makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history, a testament to his remarkable talent and rapid ascent in the league. In the 2023 season, he achieved a remarkable 98.8 pass block win rate, ranking second among all interior offensive linemen, just behind his teammate Joe Thuney. This exceptional performance solidified his value to the Chiefs and justified the record-breaking investment.
Securing the Foundation for Future Success
General Manager Brett Veach expressed the organization’s excitement about extending Humphrey’s career in Kansas City. He emphasized the importance of retaining young talent and hinted at the possibility of future contract extensions for other key players. This strategic move demonstrates the Chiefs’ dedication to building a sustainable championship contender.
The Chiefs’ Dominant Interior Offensive Line
The Chiefs boast an impressive interior offensive line, with Humphrey and Thuney anchoring the protection for Mahomes. Right guard Trey Smith, also playing on a high level, is entering the final year of his contract. Smith’s performance, including a 96.6 pass block win rate, ranked third among interior linemen in 2023, raising questions about his potential contract extension.
Looking Ahead: Smith’s Contract and Continued Dominance
The Chiefs’ investment in their offensive line underscores their commitment to maintaining a dominant offense. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, securing Smith’s future in Kansas City could be the next step in ensuring continued success and protecting their most valuable asset, Patrick Mahomes. Will the Chiefs extend Smith’s contract next? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the Chiefs are committed to winning.