Mahomes hits jackpot
Chiefs, superstar QB agree to 10-year, $503M extension
The Chiefs made sure they’ll have Super Bowl most valuable player Patrick Mahomes around for as long as possible.
Mahomes, 24, agreed to terms on a 10-year contract extension worth $503 million, according to his agency, Steinberg Sports. The deal is worth $477 million in guarantee mechanisms and includes a no-trade clause and opt-out clauses if those mechanisms aren’t met.
It’s the richest contract in pro sports history, surpassing outfielder Mike Trout’s $426.5 million deal with the Angels.
‘‘Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports,’’ Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement about Mahomes, who led the team to its first championship in 50 years in February.
‘‘With his dynamic play and infectious personality, he is one of the most recognized and beloved figures to put on the Chiefs uniform. He’s an extraordinary leader and a credit to the Kansas City community, and I’m delighted that he will be a member of the Chiefs for many years to come.’’
The Chiefs had Mahomes, the NFL’s MVP in 2018, under contract for the next two seasons, but that wasn’t nearly enough.
‘‘Here to stay,’’ Mahomes wrote on Twitter.
The Chiefs already had picked up their fifth-year option on Mahomes, who had been scheduled to make $825,000 in the final year of his rookie contract this season, to keep him around at least through 2021.
General manager Brett Veach said the long-term deal has been a priority for quite a while and thanked Mahomes’ agents, Leigh Steinberg and Chris Cabott.
‘‘His abilities are so rare, and to couple that with an incredible personality is outstanding,’’ Veach said of Mahomes. ‘‘We’re going to continue to do everything we can to surround him with talent, and this deal provides us more flexibility to do that . . . . We’re thrilled he’s going to be the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs for a long time.’’
Mahomes, whom the Bears bypassed in favor of Mitch Trubisky with the No. 2 pick of the 2017 draft, threw touchdown passes on consecutive fourthquarter drives to rally the Chiefs past the 49ers for their first Super Bowl title in 50 years. That comeback performance earned Mahomes the Super Bowl MVP.
Coach Andy Reid said the best part is that Mahomes is still early in his career. He won’t turn 25 until Sept. 17.
‘‘He’s a natural leader and always grinding,’’ Reid said. ‘‘Whether that’s on the field, in the weight room or watching film, he wants to be the best. He’s a competitor, and his teammates feed off his energy. He makes us all better as an organization, and we are blessed he’s going to be our quarterback for years to come.’’
Mahomes is 24-7 as a starter, completing 65.9% of his passes — 724-for-1,099 — for 9,412 yards with 76 touchdowns and only 18 interceptions. He has a 108.9 career quarterback rating.