Kansas City Chiefs: Mitchell Schwartz could need contract extension next offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs have numerous contracts that are coming up in the near future, including their right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

When it comes to upcoming contract extensions for the Kansas City Chiefs, most of the buzz would fall on players including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive lineman Chris Jones, and even cornerback Kendall Fuller. While Jones is next (and already sitting out in anticipation), the Chiefs will also take the earliest opportunity to sign their new franchise quarterback to a long-term extension—with next off-season being the first year eligible. It’s the best chance to get it on the books before the going rate increases.

However, one contract that is coming up in the next two offseasons that will also take some major consideration is All Pro right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

More from Arrowhead Addict

In March of 2016, the Chiefs signed Schwartz to one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NFL, especially looking back on it now. Schwartz’s five years, $33 million deal is pennies compared to the top tackles in the league, whether positioned on the right or left. While some consider the left tackle to still be the superior position, times have changed as many of the top pass rushers in the league line up against the right tackle in today’s game.

Given the new Trent Brown contract with the Oakland Raiders, which reset the market for right tackle contracts once again this offseason, Schwartz is making about half the money made by the highest paid right tackle in 2019. Not considering left tackles, he’s the sixth highest paid right tackle this upcoming season—set to make a total of $8 million with $6.6 million in base salary. Given the level of play, the Chiefs have received from Schwartz over the last three seasons, that’s a franchise-friendly deal.

Despite being highly underpaid, Schwartz is in the conversation for the league’s top offensive linemen. According to an article by Pro Football Focus, Schwartz was the league’s highest-rated offensive lineman in 2018. He was one of only three tackles to rank in the top ten in both pass blocking and run blocking from last season. He accomplished all of that while taking on top pass rushers like Von Miller and Joey Bosa twice a year. During the 2018 season, Schwartz gave up only 23 pressures while not giving up a single pressure in six games.

Kansas City has been fairly lucky when it comes to injuries at the tackle position the last couple of seasons. The interior offensive line has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons, but that hasn’t been a problem at the tackle position in which they have much more limited options at the backup position. Schwartz, the league’s ultimate ironman, has played every snap since being drafted at 37th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Schwartz will turn 30 during the 2019 season, but that doesn’t mean the Chiefs shouldn’t consider extending him next offseason instead of playing him in a contract year during 2020. Since coming to Kansas City, Schwartz has been named Second Team All-Pro in 2016 and 2017, and then made First Team All-Pro in 2018. He continues to get better over time instead of slowing down with age.

Next. Chase Litton interview. dark

It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs elect to do over the next couple of offseasons in regards to Schwartz. If they elect not to extend him next offseason, he will be playing in a contract year, which could prove to be too expensive in 2021. General Manager Brett Veach has discussed their intent on signing their guys early so we will see what happens in 2020. There’s not another tackle waiting in the wings just yet, so perhaps we should hope Schwartz is around as long as he wants.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News