Chiefs news: Patrick Mahomes contract negotiations are underway

The Star is reporting that negotiations have officially begun for Patrick Mahomes’ extension.

The negotiations have finally begun. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star has reported that talks for a new contract extension are underway between the Kansas City Chiefs and their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The team has made no secret of wanting to get Mahomes under contract on a new long-term deal that will keep the franchise face with the team for the next several years. Mahomes has been a revelation at quarterback, delivering in ways the team could have never even dreamed, and it makes sense to reward him as early as possible by offering him a significant raise in the years to come.

Reports earlier this spring were that the Chiefs would turn their attention to Mahomes’ long-term contract after the NFL Draft was finished and now is that time. A recent prediction from Spotrac on Mahomes’ potential deal came in at four years for $160 million. That’s quite a haul yet it’s also possible Mahomes could demand much more than that in dollar amount or length of time.

Mellinger’s full column is worth a read for its insights into how Mahomes’ contract could blaze a trail in a number of categories—including guarantees and overall money. For our purposes, it’s just important to know that the long-awaited talks are finally underway.

Right now, Russell Wilson is the highest-paid player in the NFL. Mahomes should soon top that list after putting up a Super Bowl MVP and a regular season MVP in each of his first two seasons. Mahomes is set to count $5.3 million against the cap in 2020.