The Kansas City Chiefs have officially confirmed the contract extension of veteran center Creed Humphrey, securing the anchor of their offensive line through the 2028 season. According to an official statement from the team, the deal is valued at $72 million over four years, with $50 million in total guarantees, making Humphrey the highest-paid center in NFL history.
Details of the Record-Breaking Extension
The contract, finalized in late August 2024, keeps Humphrey in Kansas City for the next five seasons. The deal surpasses the previous market benchmarks for the position, setting a new standard for interior offensive linemen. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the structure provides the Chiefs with long-term stability in the middle of their offense while rewarding one of the league’s most consistent performers.
Humphrey, a second-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2021, has started every game for the Chiefs since his rookie debut. His performance has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, including two consecutive Super Bowl victories.
Why the Chiefs Prioritized Humphrey
The decision to prioritize Humphrey’s contract reflects the team’s focus on protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Since entering the league, Humphrey has been recognized by Pro Football Focus as one of the highest-graded centers in the NFL, consistently excelling in both pass protection and run blocking.
General Manager Brett Veach has consistently emphasized the importance of building from the inside out. By locking up Humphrey, the organization ensures that the core communication hub of their offensive line remains intact during their pursuit of a historic "three-peat" championship run.
Impact on the NFL Center Market
Humphrey’s deal follows a trend of rising salaries for elite interior linemen. His $18 million average annual value (AAV) sets a new ceiling for the position, significantly impacting future negotiations for teams with young, productive centers.
Comparison of Recent Top-Tier Center Contracts
| Player | Team | Average Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Creed Humphrey | Kansas City Chiefs | $18.0 Million |
| Erik McCoy | New Orleans Saints | $15.5 Million |
| Ted Karras | Cincinnati Bengals | $6.0 Million |
Note: Figures represent the average annual value based on current contract terms.
What Happens Next for the Chiefs’ Offensive Line
With Humphrey under contract through 2028, the Chiefs shift their focus to maintaining depth across the offensive front. The team faces ongoing challenges with salary cap management, but the core of the line—anchored by Humphrey—is now solidified. Fans and analysts expect this stability to remain a cornerstone of the team’s offensive strategy as they navigate the remainder of the 2024 season and beyond.
The organization has not announced any further extensions for starters at this time, though the team continues to evaluate its roster depth to ensure long-term competitiveness.
Keep reading