Chiefs Spend $85 Million to Make Patrick Mahomes’ Dream Come True
When Patrick Mahomes talks, Brett Veach listens. At least, that’s what the Kansas City Chiefs general manager proved on Tuesday. A week after signing Mahomes to a record-setting $503 million deal, Veach ensured that his franchise quarterback’s dream will come true. By locking up Chris Jones for $85 million, the Chiefs officially put themselves on a dynasty path.
Patrick Mahomes wants to establish a dynasty
In just three years, Patrick Mahomes has already become the face of the NFL. In his first year as a starter, he torched NFL defenses to the tune of 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns. He took home NFL MVP honors, which he will likely do at least a few more times.
Last season, his regular-season numbers regressed due to injury. Yet, the former Texas Tech star got back to his prime form under the bright lights of the postseason. Mahomes led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years while taking home Super Bowl MVP honors.
With a stacked roster teeming with speedy skill players, the Chiefs entered the offseason with a massive mission: to sign Mahomes to a long-term extension. Veach accomplished that on July 6 by inking the most talented quarterback in football to a record-setting deal.
A day later, Mahomes released a hype video that sparked dynasty talk. For all of his prolific accomplishments, the 24-year-old has a long way to go in toppling Tom Brady from his throne. But in order to capture multiple Super Bowls and make his dynasty dream come true, Mahomes needed the Chiefs to make one more massive investment.
Chiefs sign Chris Jones to $85 million deal
Once Mahomes put pen to paper, it represented a significant step in achieving his dynasty dream. At the same time, it left many to wonder whether the Chiefs could afford to sign Chris Jones to a long-term deal. The star defensive tackle already expressed his intention of not playing the 2020 season on the franchise tag.
But on Tuesday, the Chiefs ensured that their most talented defensive player will continue to call Patrick Mahomes his teammate for years to come. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news via Twitter that Kansas City agreed to terms with Jones on a massive $85 million deal. The four-year contract includes $60 million guaranteed for injury and $37 million due at signing.
Thanks to Mahomes’ 10-year extension, that gave Kansas City the financial flexibility to retain Jones. The pass-rushing force cashed in and can now chase a second Super Bowl ring.
Mahomes can achieve his dream with loaded roster in place
With Jones under contract for the next four years, the Chiefs officially sent a message that they are all-in on making Patrick Mahomes’ dynasty dream come true. Kansas City returns 20 of its 22 starters and didn’t lose any coaches this offseason.
In addition, the Chiefs added yet another weapon by spending their first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The former LSU star should play a significant role as an every-down back. When you add a player of his caliber to a skill group that already includes Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Mecole Hardman, and Sammy Watkins, it’s easy to see why Mahomes envisions multiple Super Bowl championships in his future.
Just take a look at the rest of the AFC and you can see why the Chiefs could easily become the new version of the New England Patriots. You can never count out Bill Belichick, but the Patriots have an uncertain long-term outlook in the post-Brady era. Even if Cam Newton plays well in 2020, he could easily leave for a massive free-agent contract next offseason.
Baltimore obviously has a tremendous talent in Lamar Jackson. But the Ravens did not even advance to the AFC Championship last year. Will the reigning MVP still dominate on Sundays now that defensive coordinators have plenty of film to study?
Other than those two perennially powerful franchises, the Chiefs don’t face a true long-term nemesis. If Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones live up to their contracts, expect the Chiefs to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Kansas City at least a few times.
