Chiefs Make Humphrey NFL's Highest-Paid Center

In today’s NFL, skill position players often steal the spotlight, with kids dreaming of catching, running, or throwing the ball like the league’s most exciting stars. However, games are often won in the trenches, and the Kansas City Chiefs have made sure to take care of one of their key big men up front: Creed Humphrey. The star center and the Chiefs have agreed on a massive four-year contract extension worth $72 million, with $50 million guaranteed.

At just 25 years old, Humphrey is already regarded as one of the league’s best linemen, regardless of position, and his new deal reflects that status. Humphrey is now the highest-paid center in the NFL by a significant margin, with an average annual value (AAV) of $18 million—nearly $5 million more than the next closest center, Detroit's Frank Ragnow. In his three seasons, Humphrey has been selected to two All-Pro teams, including a First-Team nod in his rookie season, and has earned two Pro Bowl appearances in the past two years.

Despite his relatively short time in the league, Humphrey has made a significant impact. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him as the best center in the NFL heading into 2024 and ranked him as the 30th best player overall in their top 100. His coaches and teammates speak highly of him as well, with Head Coach Andy Reid stating, “He’s a really good football player” when discussing the extension. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the league’s top player, is now locked in with his center for the next several years. While the center-QB relationship may not be the most talked about duo, the familiarity between them is crucial for success.

With Humphrey secured long-term and the season just a week and a half away, Mahomes and the Chiefs are poised for another championship run. With a potential three-peat on the line, all eyes will be on this Kansas City squad. As one of the most challenging accomplishments in sports looms, we’ll have to wait and see how they rise to the occasion.