The first major domino in a long line of upcoming Chiefs free agency decisions officially fell on Thursday night, as Kansas City signed star center Creed Humphrey to a reported four-year, $72 million contract.
$18 million annually makes Humphrey the league's highest-paid center by a wide margin, significantly surpassing the Lions' deal with Frank Ragnow at $13.5 million annually.
Humphrey is more than deserving. However, this contract signals the organization's intention to move away from at least one marquee free agent, likely including right guard Trey Smith and safety Justin Reid.
Chiefs News: KC Signs Creed Humphrey to Massive Contract Extension
ESPN Sources: Chiefs and Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey reached agreement on a four-year, $72 million extension, including $50 million guaranteed. Humphrey now becomes the highest-paid center in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2024
Deal negotiated by Ken Sarnoff and Andy Simms of 1 of 1 Agency. pic.twitter.com/AooEM0HMwb
Since being a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Humphrey has quickly established himself as perhaps the best center in the NFL. He's twice been named a Pro Bowler and once an All-Pro in only three years, and has obviously been one of the most important players for the organization during this dynastic run.
The more significant takeaway is the money this deal takes away from other players. It's rare to see the center market reset in this fashion, especially considering that the difference between Humphrey's contract and Ragnow's is larger than that between Ragnow's and the eighth highest-paid center (Las Vegas' Andre James at $8 million annually).
A big bag for Creed Humphrey 💰 https://t.co/xZoObLp1xX pic.twitter.com/HF67SbtbPv
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) August 23, 2024
It's hard to envision a scenario in which Trey Smith or Justin Reid sign lengthy extensions. The top guards in the NFL make north of $20 million a year, while Reid will likely command in the neighborhood of $15.
Veach's typical strategy would have Humphrey coming in below the top earners, so this dramatic, purposeful overpay sheds light onto how he intends to handle future contract negotiations.
Humphrey deserves the contract he's received. It's an overpay, yet a well-earned one. This decision subverts Kansas City's typical strategy though, and likely means Chiefs Kingdom will soon say goodbye to at least two beloved players.
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