Mahomes gets record-breaking contract
Chiefs QB secures $503 million deal as Texans’ Watson waits on deck
The NFL stratosphere for franchise-quarterback contracts just climbed to another unprecedented level in the wake of a marketshaking deal for Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes is Half-a-Billion Pat.
Mahomes’ 10-year contract extension is worth $503 million and includes $477 million in guarantee mechanisms, the ability to have outs in the contract if they aren’t exercised, and a no-trade clause, according to agents Leigh Steinberg and Chris Cabott. That completely alters how the league’s elite passers will be paid.
“History made,” the agents wrote on social media.
The total value of the ex
tension for the former NFL Most Valuable Player and reigning Super Bowl MVP makes it the largest deal in North American history, shattering Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s 12-year, $426.5 million contract.
“This is a significant moment for our franchise,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said in a statement. “Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports. 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.”
This epic negotiation between Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and Cabott and Steinberg impacts an eventual huge contract for Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.
No contract extension is imminent for Watson as he enters his fourth NFL season, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. But his payday is coming. It’s just a matter of how much he gets for how long. Watson has a preference to negotiate a shorter-term pact with the Texans, which would in theory get him back to the negotiating table sooner.
Watson is expected to wind up in the $40 million to $42 million range annually.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott previously signed a $31.4 million franchise tender and faces a July 15 NFL deadline to negotiate a long-term contract or play this season under the tag.
Watson is upbeat about his contract outlook, especially after watching Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil become the highestpaid offensive lineman in the NFL through a fouryear, $76.3 million contact that includes $50 million guaranteed.
“It’s definitely good,” Watson told the Houston Chronicle recently when asked about the Texans’ commitment to rewarding their top players. “It’s exciting for all of us. Only time will tell, but we’re going to do everything we can to make sure it’s on the right track. We’re going to win a lot of games and championships while we continue to figure out that side of the business, too.”
Watson was originally signed to a four-year, fully guaranteed $13.8 million contract that included a $8.2 million signing bonus. He’s due a $1.1 million base salary this year and a $1.1 million roster bonus.
Veach said Mahomes’ new contract allows the reigning Super Bowl champions to keep building a strong roster around their quarterback. That will be a major priority for the Texans as well.
“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,” Veach said. “He’s obviously an integral part to our success, and we’re thrilled he’s going to be the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs for a long time.”
Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien has repeatedly expressed optimism that Watson’s future with the franchise will be secured with a long-term contract extension. With any future deal this big, especially during a year when league revenue is expected to take a massive hit due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Texans and other teams need information and guidance from the league on how the salary cap will be affected in 2021 and beyond.
“I think any time we can try to get something done with Deshaun would be great, but again, these things take time,” O’Brien said. “I don’t want to get into all the details of it. We have a great relationship with Deshaun; we have a great relationship with his agent.”
“Very good, open lines of communication. Really haven’t gotten into the details of anything right now, but obviously, we want Deshaun Watson to be the quarterback here for a long time.”