Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs shocked the sports world on Monday, agreeing to a 10-year extension that could end up paying the reigning Super Bowl MVP north of $500 million.
In terms of total value, it’s the richest contract in sports history. And in reality, it’s the type of contract that is usually reserved for Major League Baseball players.
Now that the Mahomes extension is finalized, other players will want big pay days. Here’s a look at five stars who will likely be the next in line to land huge contracts.
Dak Prescott, quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
The Mahomes’ extension sure does complicate things between Prescott and his Cowboys. Set to play under the franchise tag in 2020, the Pro Bowl signal caller was said to be demanding $45 million in the final year of an hypothetical extension. Given that Mahomes’ deal (minus bonuses) comes out to that $45 million mark, this seems highly unlikely.
In no way does this mean Prescott isn’t in line for a mammoth contract at some point soon. Still only 26 years old, the two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him throw for north of 4,900 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s set to earn $31.41 million in 2020. Expect any new deal for the former mid-round pick to come in at about $40 million annually.
George Kittle, tight end, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle will ultimately become the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. That’s not even in question. The only real question here is how much more the All-Pro pass catcher will earn. Recent suggestions are that the Iowa product is looking at $13 million annually, which would shatter the deal Austin Hooper signed with the Cleveland Browns back in March. Other suggestions are that Kittle could earn top-end wide receiver money — nearing $20 million annually.
This obviously makes sense. Kittle, 26, has put up 173 receptions for 2,430 yards while catching 71% of his targets over the past two seasons. He’s also the best blocking tight end in the game. A trendsetter in the modern NFL, Kittle will soon be paid like it by San Francisco.
Dalvin Cook, running back, Minnesota Vikings
It’s highly unlikely to be from the Vikings, but Cook is will get his pay day in short order. The former second-round pick is coming off a career-best 2019 campaign that saw him put up 1,654 total yards at a clip of 5.5 yards per touch. The 24-year-old back also added 13 total touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
Cook wants a deal that will match the $16 million Christian McCaffrey received on his record-breaking extension this past spring. The Vikings have countered with an average of $10 million annually. No matter how this plays out, some team will pay Cook. He’s too valuable not to be seen as an asset moving forward.
Joey Bosa, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
Some figured that Bosa would have already received an extension from the Chargers after the two sides struggled coming to terms on a rookie deal back in 2016. That has not yet happened. Rather, the former No. 3 overall pick will play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2020, earning $14.36 million in the process.
Any new deal for Bosa would top $20 million annually. The former Ohio State star is among the best young pass rushers in the game. He’s recorded 82 quarterback hits and 40 sacks in four NFL seasons. That includes an 11.5-sack performance in 2019. Bosa is going to get paid big time.
Deshaun Watson, quarterback, Houston Texans
The only other quarterback who might be able to demand anywhere near the money Mahomes received, it looks like Watson is already talking contract with Houston. That’s good news for both sides, especially amid the drama we’re seeing surrounding head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien.
Watson, 24, has been nothing short of elite in his three NFL seasons. Last year saw the Clemson product put up nearly 4,300 total yards with 33 total touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. He led Houston to a 10-5 record in 15 starts. There’s no telling how a Watson extension might look, but something north of $40 million annually makes sense.