Chiefs fans may be missing the most important number in Patrick Mahomes' contract

On Wednesday, it was announced that Patrick Mahomes had once again reset the quarterback market. His record-setting extension puts him at the top of the quarterback food chain and brings him new money on his deal worth $239 million, with the total value now at $504.75M from 2026-33.

The Mahomes extension has been a long time coming; it was always a matter of "when," not "if," the Chiefs would revisit the contract to free up cap space in the future. Mahomes has provided the Chiefs with one of the most unique contracts in the NFL, that simulanteously makes him one of the highest-paid professional athletes of all time while giving long-term flexibility to the franchise.

It's a rare "win-win" situation. However, it feels like most of the larger NFL landscape is missing the most important number in this contract.

Yes, Mahomes was underpaid when compared to his peers. Yes, the Chiefs needed to adjust his cap number in the future, as they continued to convert his salary to free up cap space. But the most important number in this contract doesn't have a dollar sign next to it. Instead, that figure is 2033.

Tom Brady didn't wake up one day and decide he was magically leaving New England. Peyton Manning leaving Indianapolis wasn't only due to Andrew Luck and his neck injury. We've seen all-time NFL quarterbacks leave the teams that made them legends before. Mahomes' new contract is another step towards that never happening in Kansas City.

When Brady left New England, he left a team deprived of offensive talent, mired in cold weather, and led a crusty old coach who limited the growth of his own brand. In response, Brady headed to sunny Florida to throw passes to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Gronk.

Many have speculated that Mahomes may grow unhappy in Kansas City, since his supporting cast has gone from two Hall of Fame talents like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill in their primes to what it is today. Chiefs fans were even frustrated with the most recent draft class, in which the Chiefs waited until the fifth round to address the offense in any capacity.

But the Chiefs have done many things differently than the Patriots did already. They've allowed Mahomes' own brand to flourish. He's the face of countless brands. He's also the co-owner of Sporting KC, the Kansas City Royals, KC Current, and one of the most influential voices of NIL for Texas Tech. From celebrity golf tournaments to calling "Riders up!" at the Kentucky Derby, the Chiefs have done everything they can to let Mahomes thrive off the field.

Yes, the Chiefs need to find Mahomes a version of prime Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Of course, Chiefs fans know better than anybody a major part of the Buccaneers success was tied to that defense. The Chiefs have shown obvious investment in the defense. As for the sunny days in Florida, Mahomes' new contract takes him well into the new stadium that will be domed. Every home game and every AFC West game will be played indoors at a nice balmy 72 degrees.

The real news about Mahomes' contract isn't about more money for the Chiefs. That was always coming. What's important is the fact that both sides have a good working relationship, which makes it possible for Mahomes to be a "Chief for life". The cracks could have started to show themselves in the foundation, but instead, the Chiefs quietly fired Matt Nagy to bring back Eric Bieniemy, a move that Mahomes seems to heavily endorse. The Chiefs also finally invested in a running back—Kenneth Walker III—to make the QB's life easier.

The new Mahomes deal puts him in Kansas City likely beyond the Andy Reid era. It firmly puts him in the new stadium and at least puts him in the running to play in a Super Bowl in Kansas City. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes are on the same page, and that's what matters more than any dollar figure.

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