Price for Chiefs Extension with Star WR Just Went Up After Latest Contract News

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball to Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball to Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are not yet able to extend star receiver Rashee Rice, with the first eligible period for an extension coming at the end of the 2025 season. It is unfortunate the Chiefs cannot lock down the talented pass-catcher heading into this year, with the price at a perfect low from a front office perspective.

Rice is coming off a season-ending injury from 2024 and is expected to be suspended for a portion of this season. All adding up to a potential bargain if Kansas City were able to get a deal done now.

However, being forced to sit and wait ensures that Rice is going to get market value with a chance to serve out the suspension and remind the league of his dominance. The Kansas City star remains underrated due to the greatness of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This will be the year that the young receiver cements himself as a top-ten option at the position.

Something that is going to cost the Chiefs a great deal of money is the league's latest extension. The Washington Commanders made headlines on Monday, finally coming to terms with star receiver Terry McLaurin after an extended negotiation period.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Could Push Potential Rashee Rice Extension out of Chiefs' Comfort Zone

Jordan Schultz reported the extension with the Commanders, giving the star receiver a three-year deal worth $96 million. With this in mind, it should be the expectation from Rice and his camp that a deal is going to easily cross $100 million. McLaurin is an aging receiver who doesn't have the long runway ahead that appears to be set for Rice.

Rice also has the advantage of knowing that if the Chiefs don't meet his asking price, the market is only going to continue to move in his favor. With this in mind, Kansas City must make it a priority at the end of the 2025 season to lock up the young playmaker as quickly as possible. As Washington illustrated with McLaurin, and the Dallas Cowboys with CeeDee Lamb, the longer you wait, the higher the price.

Rice has left zero reason to question his impact or ceiling when he can stay on the field. The receiver is going to reach a level of stardom no pass catcher has touched since Tyreek Hill's early days of domination. Even as the price continues to move in the wrong direction, the Chiefs must find a path to getting a deal done.

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