The Kansas City Chiefs have made a significant commitment to their offensive line by extending the contract of center Creed Humphrey, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. The four-year extension is valued at an impressive $72 million, with $50 million guaranteed.
Head coach Andy Reid expressed his admiration for Humphrey, stating: “He’s a heck of a football player, a real good football player.” Reid’s comments came after the Chiefs’ recent preseason loss to the Chicago Bears, where he reflected on Humphrey’s consistent performance. “He started off that way and he kept it going that way. So we appreciate all he does and we appreciate having him here,” Reid added, emphasizing the importance of Humphrey to the team’s overall success and for Patrick Mahomes’ protection.
Humphrey, who joined the Chiefs as a second-round draft pick from Oklahoma in 2021, quickly made a name for himself as a reliable starter. His skills as a pass protector have been exceptional, and in 2023, he ranked second among all NFL interior offensive linemen in pass block win rate, achieving an impressive 98.8%.
General manager Brett Veach also weighed in on the significance of Humphrey’s extension: “Needless to say, we’re extremely excited to continue Creed’s career here. He’s been great for our organization.” Veach highlighted the strong group of young players that the Chiefs have assembled, indicating that the team is not just focused on Humphrey but also on developing other young talents.
“Hopefully, we are able to get a little bit more work done with some of these other young guys as well,” he noted, hinting at the Chiefs’ ongoing efforts to enhance their roster.
Humphrey’s stellar play earns him historic extension
The Chiefs’ offensive line has become a cornerstone of their strategy, and Humphrey’s extension is a critical part of that plan. Alongside him is guard Joe Thuney, who also had an outstanding season, ranking first among interior offensive linemen in pass block win rate.
As Humphrey continues to develop in his role, the Chiefs are positioning themselves for another strong season. With the offensive line solidified, they can focus on maximizing their offensive potential and providing Mahomes with the protection he needs to lead the team.
The franchise’s investment in Humphrey reflects a broader strategy to maintain a championship-caliber roster, ensuring that they remain competitive in the ever-challenging landscape of the NFL. As the season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how this commitment pays off on the field.
