Patrick Mahomes endured the worst season of his career in 2025, but the Kansas City Chiefs still awarded him a groundbreaking $504.75 million contract. The decision underscores the franchise's unwavering belief in their superstar quarterback.
A Season to Forget
In Week 15 of the 2025 season, Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL during a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs were already out of playoff contention, marking the first time Kansas City missed the postseason in the Mahomes era. His completion percentage, touchdown count (22), and passer rating all hit career lows. By every statistical measure, 2025 was the ugliest year of his NFL career.
The Record-Breaking Deal
Six months later, the Chiefs signed Mahomes to a contract extension worth $504.75 million through the 2033 season. This is the first contract in NFL history to surpass the half-billion-dollar mark. Starting in 2027, Mahomes will earn $64 million annually, another league record. The entire amount becomes fully guaranteed, and performance incentives could push the total to $522.25 million. Since 2022, the Chiefs have committed $689 million in new money to Mahomes.
Context Matters
Despite the poor numbers, Mahomes played hurt for most of the season behind a depleted roster. He still threw for over 3,500 yards and set a career high in rushing. The season was bad by his standards, but it remained better than most quarterbacks' best years. The Chiefs are paying for his legacy: five Super Bowl appearances, three championships, two MVP awards, and a decade of dominance. He reached 30 career sacks faster than any quarterback in history and never missed the playoffs until his knee gave out.
Injury Risk and Recovery
ACL and LCL tears are serious, requiring nine to twelve months of recovery. The Chiefs target Week 1 of the 2026 season for his return. Early reports from minicamp indicate he is ahead of schedule. Teammate Trey Smith noted Mahomes has "attacked rehab every single day," and coach Andy Reid described him as "so positive." Kansas City signed backup Justin Fields and running back Kenneth Walker III to reduce the early-season load on Mahomes' knee.
A Historic Gamble
The Chiefs looked at a torn knee, a missed playoff season, and career-worst numbers and decided that an injured Patrick Mahomes is still worth more than any healthy quarterback. This is either the most confident organizational decision in NFL history or the most expensive one—probably both.
