NFL
Why did the Chiefs make Creed Humphrey the highest-paid center in the NFL?
The Kansas City team agreed to a contract extension with Humphrey that will pay him 18 million annually, making him the wealthiest player in this position.
Patrick Mahomes has a reliable center around for a while. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Kansas City Chiefs and offensive lineman Creed Humphrey have agreed to a contract extension that will make him the highest-paid center in the NFL as he receives a four-year, $72 million extension, $50 million of which is guaranteed.
The Oklahoma City native was scheduled to make $4.8 million in 2024, the final season of his rookie contract in 2024. Now averaging $18 million per season, Creed far outstrips Frank Ragnow, who agreed to a four-year, $54 million deal averaging $13.5 million.
Humphrey has started all 51 regular-season games since his rookie season. In 2021, he finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. In 2022, he was invited to the Pro Bowl and received his first second-team All-Pro nod. Last year, he was named to the NFL All-Star Game for the second time in his career.
The 25-year-old center has played over 97 percent of Kansas City’s offensive snaps. According to Football Reference, he’s also one of the cleanest linemen on the team, having committed just 14 penalties in three pro seasons.
The Chiefs' investment in the offensive line
The Chiefs have invested in protecting Patrick Mahomes through contract extensions, free agency, and the draft.
Right guard Joe Thuney received an $80 million extension in 2021. Jawaan Taylor received a similar contract in 2023 to become the starting right tackle.
They also drafted Kingsley Suamataia in the second round, Hunter Nourzad in the fifth round, and CJ Hanson in the seventh round this year.