The Kansas City Chiefs have locked in their star center, Creed Humphrey, with a record-breaking contract extension, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. The four-year, $72 million deal, which includes $50 million in guaranteed money, significantly exceeds the previous record held by the Detroit Lions' Frank Ragnow, who had an average annual salary of $13.5 million. With this new contract, Humphrey will be earning an average of $18 million per year.
Humphrey, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a key figure in the team’s offensive line, starting all 51 regular-season games and 10 playoff games since he joined the team. His contributions have been crucial in both protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and in run blocking, which played a significant role in the Chiefs' consecutive Super Bowl victories.
The 25-year-old’s outstanding performance on the field has earned him Pro Bowl selections in each of the last two seasons, along with a second-team All-Pro honor in 2022. With this contract extension, the Chiefs have secured one of the league's top interior linemen, ensuring continued stability and strength in the trenches as they pursue an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat.

Creed Humphrey's record-setting contract extension will have a significant impact on the Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap. Here's how it could affect the team:


1. Increased Cap Hit: With Humphrey earning an average of $18 million per year, his cap hit will likely increase substantially compared to his rookie contract. This will consume a larger portion of the team's salary cap, potentially limiting their flexibility to sign other players or extend contracts for current players.


2. Structured Payments: The Chiefs may structure the contract in a way that minimizes the cap hit in the early years, using signing bonuses and backloading the salary. This approach can help manage the immediate impact on the cap but could lead to larger cap hits in the later years of the contract.


3. Future Roster Moves: With a significant portion of the cap allocated to Humphrey, the Chiefs might need to make tough decisions regarding other high-salary players. This could involve restructuring contracts, cutting players, or being more selective in free agency.


4. Competitive Window: By securing one of the best centers in the league, the Chiefs are making a strong statement about their commitment to maintaining a top-tier offensive line. However, the increased cap hit could challenge their ability to maintain depth across the roster, which is crucial for sustaining a championship-caliber team.


5. Long-Term Planning: The Chiefs will need to carefully plan their cap management for the coming years, especially with other key players potentially seeking extensions. Balancing Humphrey's contract with future needs will be essential to maintaining a competitive roster.
Overall, while Creed Humphrey's extension solidifies a key position for the Chiefs, it will require careful cap management to ensure the team remains competitive without sacrificing depth or flexibility.