Top 5 Chiefs Entering Contract Years in 2024
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs are all-in on a potential three-peat and did a tremendous job bringing back key free agents this offseason, from Chris Jones to Drue Tranquill and beyond. Kansas City is favored to get their third straight Super Bowl, though going "all-in" does have future consequences.
A number of key players are entering contract years. Brett Veach and his front office have this roster in great shape both now and in the near future, though the team may look a lot different after this year.
Some players like Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis will be eligible for contract extensions starting in 2024-25 and the Chiefs have difficult decisions ahead. Here's a look at the top five players entering the final year of their respective contracts:
Top 5 Chiefs Entering Contract Years
1. Creed Humphrey - Center
Creed Humphrey might have taken the 'Best Center' crown now that Jason Kelce retired, and I think it's merely a formality that he'll be re-signed. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, widely recognized as an elite offensive lineman that Kansas City snagged at No. 63 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Both Humphrey and Trey Smith (who we'll discuss in a following page) are free agents in 2025. It's possible the Chiefs keep both of them, though it's possible Brett Veach has to choose between his star interior linemen given the other nature of the salary cap.
If faced with the decision, Humphrey feels like an easy choice.
Do you understand how freakishly athletic you have to be to do what Creed Humphrey does here pic.twitter.com/pYwUElq0Jg
— Chandler (@_chandler_____) February 12, 2024
The Chiefs' run scheme often utilizes athleticism and pulling linemen to open up lanes. Humphrey is a perfect fit in that regard. It's worth noting he's never missed a game in the NFL as well. Dependability matters, especially at a position that touches the ball every single play.
Perhaps the biggest argument in Humphrey's favor is the market. The highest-paid center in 2024-25 is Frank Ragnow (Lions) at an average of $13.5 million per year. Only five centers will make more than $8 million.
For guards? Chris Lindstrom (Falcons) and Robert Hunt (Panthers) are both making at least $20 million. A dozen different guards will make at least $8 million next season.
Even if you think that Humphrey and Smith are equals, and Humphrey is demonstrably better, the simple market value of existing contracts means you should sign the center and not the guard.