KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs and Creed Humphrey have agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension that makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday night.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had yet to be signed, said Humphrey will be guaranteed $50 million. Those numbers outpace both the total value of the five-year, $60 million deal the Saints signed with Erik McCoy and the $42 million in guarantees that Frank Ragnow got on his four-year, $54 million contract with the Lions.
“We’ve had a lot of good dialogue and I’m pretty sure we will put pen to paper soon,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Thursday night during a preseason game against Chicago. “Needless to say, we’re extremely excited to continue Creed’s career here. He’s been great for our organization, and look, we have been very fortunate to have a really a good group of young guys and hopefully, we are able to get a little bit more work done with some of these other young guys as well.”
Humphrey was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 draft and instantly moved into the starting lineup, where he not only solidified the interior of a rebuilt offensive line but developed a fast rapport with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
He also has proven to be dependable, starting all 51 regular-season games over the past three seasons. The last two have ended with Humphrey earning trips to the Pro Bowl, which he skipped while helping the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls.
The Chiefs were staring at the prospect of three key contributors from their 2021 draft class hitting free agency in Humphrey, fellow second-round pick Nick Bolton and sixth-round pick Trey Smith. They have expressed interest in signing Bolton, one of the league’s underrated linebackers, to a long-term deal, but keeping all three could be difficult given their salary cap space.
Humphrey and most of the Chiefs’ starters were sitting out their preseason finale against the Bears. They open the regular season against the Ravens on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC championship game.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey has made history by signing a record-breaking contract that makes him the highest-paid center in NFL history, according to an AP source. The deal, reportedly worth $19.8 million per year, solidifies Humphrey’s status as one of the top players at his position in the league.
Humphrey, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key player on the team’s offensive line. His exceptional performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, and the Chiefs were quick to reward him with a lucrative contract that reflects his value to the team.
The 23-year-old center has been a standout player for the Chiefs since entering the league, earning praise for his strong blocking skills and ability to anchor the offensive line. His presence on the field has been instrumental in protecting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and opening up running lanes for the team’s talented running backs.
Humphrey’s new contract sets a new standard for centers in the NFL, surpassing the previous record for the highest-paid center set by Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce. The deal is a testament to Humphrey’s hard work and dedication to his craft, as well as the Chiefs’ commitment to building a strong and competitive team.
In addition to his on-field performance, Humphrey is also known for his leadership qualities and work ethic. He is a respected figure in the Chiefs’ locker room and serves as a mentor to younger players on the team. His professionalism and dedication to his craft have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
As the highest-paid center in NFL history, Creed Humphrey’s contract is a testament to his talent and potential as a player. Chiefs fans can look forward to seeing him continue to excel on the field and help lead the team to success in the upcoming seasons.