The Kansas City Chiefs recent dynasty could never have happened without key players like Creed Humphrey playing on a cost-effective rookie contract. While Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid (understandably) receive most of the credit for this insane run of success, Brett Veach also deserves praise for finding several valuable contributors in the NFL Draft.
Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Creed Humprey is entering the final year of his rookie contract. After starting in 51 straight regular season games, the Oklahoma product has established himself as one of the very best at his position. Whether it’s now or in the near future, the homegrown talent is going to break the bank, and Ari Meirov believes Humphrey will receive a “historic” payday.
Some potential market-resetting deals to look out for per @MySportsUpdate 🏦 pic.twitter.com/UZyeuCRLW2
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 1, 2024
Creed Humphrey Set to Receive “Historic” Payday
It’s safe to say that Creed Humphrey has earned every last penny he will get in his new contract. Last year, the center finished the season with an 81.4 PFF grade, making him the fourth-best center out of 36 eligible players. Astonishingly, this was a down year for him, as he ended the season as the top-ranked center in both 2021 and 2022.
PFF grades aren’t everything, but in this case, the eye test matches the grade. Creed Humphrey excels at what he does, and his next contract will likely make him the highest-paid center in NFL history. According to OverTheCap, Frank Ragnow holds the record for most guaranteed money ($42 million), while Corey Linsley technically still has the title of highest potential value ($62.5 million).
Barring something completely unforeseen, Creed Humprey should exceed both of those marks on his next contract. The Oklahoma product is unstoppable when on the field and he is the picture of durability. With the rising salary cap, Humphrey should receive roughly a five-year deal averaging $15 million per year with $10 million per year in guarantees. The only question is whether or not the Chiefs afford to make this offer.
Can the Chiefs Afford Humphrey?
As of this posting, the Kansas City Chiefs have $26.48 million in salary cap space, the eighth-most in the league. While they will need some of that money for veteran free agents and their incoming draft class, they shouldn’t be too strapped for cash. This is good news, as the unused cap rolls over into the next season, which can be used for the Creed Humphrey contract.
Additionally, the Chiefs don’t have too many key impending free agents next year. Aside from Humprey, the biggest players set to hit the market are linebacker Nick Bolton, safety Justin Reid, and edge defender Charles Omenihu. While these players are solid starters in their own right, they’re not going to get the type of contract that Creed Humphrey is looking for. Perhaps one or two of those players leave for greener pastures, but Kansas City shouldn’t have a hard time finding a cost-effective replacement if they can’t re-sign them. Humphrey is the only elite player of this group, and the Chiefs should be able to bring him back.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
