KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs can sign quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a long-term extension as soon as the 2019 regular season comes to a close, and club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt signaled on Wednesday that he wants to get a deal done soon with the face of the franchise.
“We're certainly excited about the opportunity to extend Patrick's stay with the Chiefs, and hope that lasts his entire career,” Hunt said.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said earlier this season the club has planned for signing Mahomes to long-term deal since the moment of his selection in the first round of the 2017 draft. Sources tell Chiefs Digest expectations are a new deal will likely set an NFL record eclipsing $200 million. Hunt wasn't ready to acknowledge the particulars of a new deal yet, but suggest an agreement would be made before the Mahomes' enters the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2021.
“It's probably a little bit premature to be talking about a new contract,” Hunt said “Everyone knows the first opportunity we'll have to re-sign him will come at the end of this season. That's a decision that we'll have to make with his representatives, whether this is the right time, or perhaps a year from now.”
Hunt and his family have experience with big-name superstars in their respective sports. The Hunt family remains a minority owner of the Chicago Bulls, so Hunt had first-hand experience working with Michael Jordan during his rise to fame.
“That was a special time for the Bulls organization, and Michael did a lot to grow their brand no only nationally but on an international basis,” Hunt said. I think certainly to some degree Patrick gives us that same opportunity.”
Hunt said he felt Mahomes handled his recent injury well and remained a leaders for the team from the sidelines and his picks up right where he left off with his MVP performance from a year ago.
“He's done a fantastic job,” Hunt said. “I hate to say that we expected it at this point, but we really do. He's a fantastic young man and an really outstanding leader.”
