Patrick Mahomes has been a sensation since taking the reigns from Alex Smith in 2018 but his paycheque is overshadowed by several rivals in undeserving fashion.
The Kansas City Chiefs can proudly boast the best NFL quarterback of this new generation and Patrick Mahomes has already made headway into the ‘G.O.A.T’ debate with Tom Brady at just 28.
Mahomes has achieved a rare combination of accolades: three Super Bowl rings, three finals, and two regular season MVPs. This a collection of individual milestones that Brady did not reach until 37 years old.
Patrick Mahomes has qualified for the playoffs every year and boats a prolific postseason record
The Chiefs signal-caller’s earliest postseason exit is the AFC Championship in six seasons, both coming in overtime against the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals.
In 2020, the Chiefs QB inked a 10-year $450 million extension to secure his long-term commitment to the franchise. Therefore, the Texas native is set to earn up to $45 million APY.
Undoubtedly, his production and accolades thus far should see him as the highest-paid quarterback in the league, but that is not the case.
Nine NFL quarterbacks are paid more than Mahomes’ $45 million APY
As of today, nine NFL quarterbacks are tied down to contracts that have them set to earn more than Mahomes in 2024.
Trevor Lawrence recently signed a five-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to become the joint-highest earner with Joe Burrow on $55 million APY.
Next is the Detroit Lions Jared Goff who was also rewarded with a long-term extension that can see him earn as much as $53 million APY.
AFC West rival Justin Herbert is the fourth highest-paid quarterback with $52.5 million APY, followed closely by the Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson with $52 million.
Super Bowl LVII victim Jalen Hurts slots in with $51 million APY to his name and then there is a sizeable gap of $4.9 million to the Arizona Cardinals Kyler Murray.
Then the controversial figure of Deshaun Watson makes the list in the eighth spot as his contract has him earning a generous $46 million.
Just before Patrick Mahomes, because of his guaranteed money, the offseason acquisition Kirk Cousins earned $45 million APY from free agency.
Patrick Mahomes is the most valued played in the league but three players could sign new deals to overtake his salary
Patrick Mahomes is the only Super Bowl winner in the top-10 highest-paid quarterbacks list, proving that the Kansas City Chiefs have the best dollar-for-dollar player in the league.
However, the offseason is still in motion and there could be more quarterbacks leapfrogging Mahomes before the 2024 season kicks off.
Tua Tagovailoa has been open about wanting an extension with the Miami Dolphins and could be presented with a contract during the summer.
Furthermore, Dak Prescott for the Dallas Cowboys holds the franchise over a barrel with his cap hit and contract leverage. The 30-year-old is open to a new deal and the franchise could be forced into an extension.
Rookie contracted Jordan Love had an excellent first season as a starter and is eligible for a new deal. The Green Bay Packers would be wise to tie down their young star before the market price increases.
In the NFL, the market is what determines the price for a player. Production has very little influence on a franchise starter’s price, otherwise nobody would be paid more than Mahomes.
All three potential future signings would be on track to earn more than Mahomes’ $45 million APY. So, by the time the Chiefs unveil their fourth Super Bowl banner, there could be 12 QBs earning more than their starboy.