The Kansas City Chiefs and offensive lineman Creed Humphrey agree to a four-year, $72 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid center in the National Football League. The deal keeps him under contract with Kansas City until 2028.
Humphrey's $18 million annual average is higher than the $14.25 million yearly average of the recently retired Jason Kelce. Among active players, the Detroit Lions' $13.5 million annual average trails Humphrey.
The Chiefs selected Humphrey in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and gave him a four-year, $5.56 million rookie scale contract. However, it didn't take long before he established himself among the league's best offensive linemen.
Chiefs, C Creed Humphrey agree to terms on a new deal to make him the NFL's highest-paid center. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Vn665FTCje
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2024
The former Oklahoma standout was a part of the 2021 Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. The following year, he earned a Second-Team All-Pro selection. Humphrey is also a two-time Pro Bowler, receiving the distinction during the Chiefs' Super Bowl-winning seasons.
Pro Football Focus quantified his exemplary performance over his first three seasons, earning overall grades of 91.4, 90, and 78.2. More importantly, since entering the league, he has started all 51 regular-season games and all 10 postseason matches.
Humphrey's extension will extend his successful partnership with two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes as they aspire for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.
-Lance Fernandez