Report: Mahomes could sign $200 million deal
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in just his second year in the NFL, but the talk already has started that he could become the league's first $200 million man. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Chiefs are expected to extend Mahomes' rookie contract after the 2019 season and that the deal could break league records. He said it likely would eclipse Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers' contract, which has an annual average payout of $33.5 million. After next season, Mahomes will have two years left on his contract, including the fifth-year team option. And regardless of whether the Chiefs beat the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC championship game to earn a berth in the Super Bowl, Mahomes will be more visible this offseason. His agent, Leigh Steinberg, wanted him to stay in the background until he'd proved himself on the field, Schefter said. In his rookie year, he backed up Alex Smith. "He's a fresh face," Steinberg told ESPN this weekend. "By holding him back, we haven't overexposed him." Steinberg said Mahomes will be seen more in the offseason with new television commercials and marketing deals. The 23-year-old Mahomes is an MVP candidate. He led the Chiefs to a 12-4 record and threw for 5,097 yards. His 50 touchdown passes led the league, and only Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (5,129) threw for more yards. --Field Level Media
