“One Day People Will Understand Patrick Mahomes’ Contract”: Chiefs QB’s Ex-Teammate Cryptically Comments on Dak Prescott’s $240M Deal
The world of NFL contracts is often a hot topic of debate, and few agreements have garnered as much attention as the massive deals signed by quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott. Recently, one of Mahomes’ former Kansas City Chiefs teammates made a cryptic remark that has sparked new conversations about the complexity and long-term impact of these high-profile contracts.
During an interview, the ex-teammate, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, commented on the structure of Mahomes’ contract in comparison to Prescott’s. His statement—“One day people will understand Patrick Mahomes’ contract”—was in reference to the monumental $240 million deal signed by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, raising questions about how both quarterbacks’ contracts might be viewed in the future.
Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, a contract that shattered records at the time and tied him to the franchise for the long haul. However, many fans and analysts initially questioned the length and intricacies of such a deal. While the raw numbers seemed astronomical, some pointed out that the structure of the contract gave the Chiefs flexibility to build a competitive team around Mahomes.
Mahomes’ contract includes mechanisms like roster bonuses and escalators that adjust based on the team’s performance and salary cap changes. This allows Kansas City to spread the financial impact over a decade, potentially lowering the annual cap hit while still compensating Mahomes as one of the highest-paid players in the league. Though the deal was eye-popping, many analysts argued that it was structured with a long-term vision for both Mahomes’ success and the team’s ability to stay competitive.
Dak Prescott’s contract, on the other hand, follows a different blueprint. In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys signed Prescott to a four-year, $160 million extension, with a total value reaching $240 million when all incentives are considered. Prescott’s deal was also met with a wave of reactions, as it made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks at the time.
Unlike Mahomes’ long-term arrangement, Prescott’s contract was shorter but guaranteed a massive payout upfront. It gave Prescott significant financial security while also putting pressure on the Cowboys to perform in the immediate future. The higher annual value of Prescott’s contract, coupled with the shorter duration, limits the team’s flexibility when it comes to roster-building, raising questions about how sustainable the deal is for long-term success.
The ex-Chiefs player’s cryptic comment about Mahomes’ contract compared to Prescott’s might be an indication that time will reveal the true genius behind the Chiefs’ decision. While Prescott’s contract ensures his status as one of the top-paid quarterbacks in the league, Mahomes’ longer deal might be designed to keep Kansas City competitive in the long run.
As NFL contracts evolve, particularly for quarterbacks, there has been growing debate about which strategy is more beneficial: securing short-term, high-value contracts like Prescott’s, or opting for a longer-term deal that balances compensation with cap flexibility, like Mahomes’.
This former teammate seems to suggest that the structure of Mahomes’ deal, though initially questioned, will ultimately be viewed as a masterstroke in how to build around a franchise quarterback. The Chiefs are not just paying for Mahomes’ talent, but also ensuring they can retain key players and maintain a championship-contending roster throughout the duration of his contract.
Both Mahomes’ and Prescott’s contracts have far-reaching implications, not only for their respective teams but also for the quarterback market as a whole. Quarterback contracts are often used as benchmarks for future deals, and the next generation of star signal-callers will likely look to these contracts when negotiating their own agreements.
For players like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, Prescott’s deal could serve as a model for short-term gains, while Mahomes’ contract might appeal to those who want both financial security and team flexibility. NFL teams, on the other hand, will have to decide which approach works best for building around their franchise players.
As both Mahomes and Prescott continue their respective careers, the success of their teams will likely influence how their contracts are judged in the years to come. Mahomes has already led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, and his contract is designed to keep Kansas City competitive for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Prescott faces immense pressure to deliver a championship to the Cowboys, and the financial weight of his deal could hinder Dallas’ ability to build around him if the team doesn’t win soon.
In the end, the cryptic remark made by Mahomes’ ex-teammate could be a reflection of the long-term thinking behind his contract. While Prescott’s deal is eye-catching, Mahomes’ deal may be better suited for sustained success. One day, when people look back at the structure of these contracts, they may come to appreciate the foresight that went into Mahomes’ long-term partnership with the Chiefs.
Until then, the debate will continue, as fans, analysts, and insiders alike weigh the benefits of both contract strategies and how they impact the future of NFL team-building.
Ultimately, time will be the judge of which contract structure proves more effective. As both Mahomes and Prescott lead their teams into future seasons, their success—or failure—on the field will shape how their respective deals are viewed. The cryptic statement about Mahomes’ contract could be a hint that, down the road, his deal will be recognized as a model of balancing financial reward with team success.
For now, fans can only speculate and watch as these two superstar quarterbacks navigate the pressure that comes with their lucrative contracts.