Creed Humphrey becomes the highest-paid center in NFL history with a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Why it matters: This significant deal reflects the Chiefs' commitment to solidifying their offensive line and protecting their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

What's new: Creed Humphrey, the talented center drafted by the Chiefs in 2021, has agreed to a lucrative extension that sets a new standard for centers in the league.

By the numbers:

• The contract includes $50 million in guarantees, highlighting the team's confidence in Humphrey's abilities.
• In 2023, Humphrey ranked second among interior offensive linemen in pass block win rate at an impressive 98.8%.
• His teammate, guard Joe Thuney, led the pack with an even higher pass block win rate.

Yes, but: While Humphrey's contract is a major milestone for centers, it also raises the bar for other teams negotiating extensions with their own offensive linemen.

What to watch: The Chiefs' offensive line has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on enhancing protection for Mahomes. This investment in Humphrey is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

What's next: With Trey Smith, the Chiefs' other starting guard, entering the final year of his contract, negotiations for his extension could be on the horizon.

The bottom line: By securing Humphrey with a historic contract, the Chiefs are prioritizing the long-term success of their offense and ensuring the continued growth of their young offensive line.

Creed Humphrey becomes the highest-paid center in NFL history with a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Why it matters: This significant deal reflects the Chiefs' commitment to solidifying their offensive line and protecting their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

What's new: Creed Humphrey, the talented center drafted by the Chiefs in 2021, has agreed to a lucrative extension that sets a new standard for centers in the league.

By the numbers:

• The contract includes $50 million in guarantees, highlighting the team's confidence in Humphrey's abilities.
• In 2023, Humphrey ranked second among interior offensive linemen in pass block win rate at an impressive 98.8%.
• His teammate, guard Joe Thuney, led the pack with an even higher pass block win rate.

Yes, but: While Humphrey's contract is a major milestone for centers, it also raises the bar for other teams negotiating extensions with their own offensive linemen.

What to watch: The Chiefs' offensive line has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on enhancing protection for Mahomes. This investment in Humphrey is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

What's next: With Trey Smith, the Chiefs' other starting guard, entering the final year of his contract, negotiations for his extension could be on the horizon.

The bottom line: By securing Humphrey with a historic contract, the Chiefs are prioritizing the long-term success of their offense and ensuring the continued growth of their young offensive line.