The first major domino in a long line of impending free agency decisions by the Chiefs officially fell Thursday night when Kansas City reportedly signed star center Creed Humphrey to a four-year, $72 million deal.
With an annual salary of $18 million, Humphrey is by far the highest-paid center in the league, far surpassing the Lions’ deal with Frank Ragnow, who earns $13.5 million annually.
Humphrey more than deserves it. However, this contract signals the organization’s intention to part ways with at least one big-name free agent, likely right guard Trey Smith and safety Justin Reid.
ESPN sources: Chiefs and Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension, with $50 million guaranteed, making Humphrey the highest-paid center in NFL history.
The deal was negotiated by Ken Sarnoff and Andy Simms of 1 of 1 Agency. pic.twitter.com/AooEM0HMwb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 23 August 2024
Since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Humphrey has quickly established himself as perhaps the best center in the NFL. In just three years, he has been named a Pro Bowler twice and an All-Pro once and has obviously been one of the most important players for the organization during this dynastic career.
The more significant aspect is the money this deal takes away from other players. It’s rare for the center market to realign in this way, especially considering that the difference between Humphrey’s contract and Ragnow’s is larger than the difference 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) 23 August 2024
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Trey Smith or Justin Reid sign long contract extensions. The NFL’s best guards make more than $20 million a year, while Reid will likely make around $15 million.
Veach’s typical strategy would put Humphrey among the top earners, so this dramatic, deliberate overpayment provides insight into how he plans to handle future contract negotiations.
Humphrey deserves the contract he got. It’s overpaid, but well-earned nonetheless. However, this decision undermines Kansas City’s typical strategy and likely means Chiefs Kingdom will soon have to say goodbye to at least two popular players.
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