Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made history two weeks ago when he signed the first fully guaranteed $500 million contract in the NFL. Last season, Mahomes missed the postseason for the first time in his NFL career and, to add insult to injury, he suffered a torn ACL, ending a woeful season for the three-time Super Bowl champion.
Analyst Uncertain over Patrick Mahomes’ Early Season Outlook
During Friday’s segment of the “Get Up” show, analyst Dan Graziano questioned whether Mahomes will immediately perform at his best for the Chiefs at the start of the season.
“I think that’s the most likely outcome from everything I’ve been told, unless there’s some kind of setback. It sounds like he’s tracking that way. Not 100% yet, of course, but that does seem to be within the realm of possibilities, and that’s the way I would lean,” Graziano said about Mahomes’ chances of playing in Week 1. “The question, of course, becomes, is he his old self? Does he need some time to be the player that he has always been when he’s been healthy?
“That’s a player that can take an average or above average roster and make it a championship roster. So that’s what they’re going to need because I think they’ve improved the defense. But the offense, you know, is pretty much what they had last year. And you mentioned Rashee Rice had another procedure this offseason, had to spend 30 days in jail. That’s not ideal in terms of getting ready for the season. So they need Mahomes to be Capital M — Mahomes as soon as possible.”
In 2025, the Chiefs had one of their worst seasons in recent memory, finishing 6-11 and posting their first losing season in 13 years. In addition, they failed to win the AFC West for the first time in nine years, leading to Mahomes’ first postseason absence.
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Even before his season-ending injury, Mahomes had a mixed season, registering 3,587 passing yards on 62.7% completion, resulting in 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, which was his worst stat line since he became the Chiefs’ full-time starter in 2018. He earned a PFSN QB Impact score of 77.0, ranking No. 17 in the league.
Mahomes’ record-breaking $504.75 million contract extension will run through 2033, and the quarterback can earn up to $522.25 million through incentives.
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From 2027, he will earn an average of $64 million a year, binding him to the franchise for the foreseeable future as he attempts to improve on his 95-31 regular season and 17-4 playoff record.
