Key Chiefs Lineman Declared 'Most Important' Upcoming Contract Extension Candidate

The Chiefs have several critical players coming up on the final year of their contracts, giving Brett Veach big decisions to make. Some are easier than others and one key offensive lineman was recently named the most important player to bring back.

Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report gave star center Creed Humphrey the honor, a fair argument given Humphrey's incredible start to his career. Players like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton are options, but the center market could make it easier to give Humphrey a fair contract while not breaking the bank.

An All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Creed Humphrey Named Chiefs' Most Important Extension Candidate

The former Oklahoma Sooner is a stabilizing force along Kansas City's offensive line. Incredibly durable, Humphrey has played and started in every game of his three-year career.

Fowler writes about Humphrey, "The anchor along one of the NFL's top offensive lines, his impact since being drafted in 2021 has been twofold with the success of the Chiefs' offensive ceiling...The ability of Humphrey (a unique athlete as a left-handed center) to quickly evolve into one of the league's elite has remained of the utmost importance for GM Brett Veach."

While the best guards and linebackers in the NFL make around $20 million per season, Fowler continues, "Orchestrating a deal north of $14 million a year over four seasons is likely the ballpark where Kansas City could land with Humphrey."

The Chiefs have one of the league's best offensive lines and Humphrey is a big reason why. Keeping him in Kansas City at around $14 million annually is a deal I'd sign up for, and he should only improve with more experience.

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