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Agent’s Take: Patrick Mahomes-type contract in another team
Agent’s Take: Patrick Mahomes-type contract in another team
Almost three years ago, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes landed the richest contract in American team sports history. The two-time Super Bowl MVP signed a 10-year, $450 million contract extension worth up to $475 million with incentives.
Mahomes dramatically raised the bar for quarterback salaries with his $45 million average yearly salary. The previous standard was the $35 million per year in the four-year extension Russell Wilson signed with the Seahawks in 2019. Mahomes got a 28.6% increase over Wilson’s deal.
The deal runs through the 2031 season. Mahomes was under contract for 12 years when he signed in July 2020 since he had two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Mahomes becoming the NFL’s highest-paid player was expected. The enormity of the contract took practically everybody by surprise. Prior to Mahomes’ deal, the five-year extension Matt Ryan signed with the Falcons in 2018 was the longest contract among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks. The longest NFL contract in existence when Mahomes signed was the eight-year extension (10 total contract years) offensive tackle Tyron Smith signed with the Cowboys in 2014 to become the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman, which was an anomaly.
Typically, the later years of lengthy NFL contracts are essentially a series of one-year options where teams can release players when it best suits them. Mahomes has protections that aren’t usually in the later years of deals.
Mahomes’ contract breakdown
A significant amount of Mahomes’ compensation each year is in March roster bonuses that become fully guaranteed at least one year early. For example, Mahomes’ 2027 compensation consists of a $10 million base salary, a $49.4 million third-day-of-the-league-year roster bonus and a $550,000 workout bonus. The $49.4 million roster bonus, which is 83% of Mahomes’ 2027 money, becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2026 league year. The base salary and workout bonus are fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2027 league year. The Chiefs would have to buy Mahomes out for $49.4 million to exit his deal in 2027 before the remaining $10.55 million became secure.
Mahomes’ 2026 contract year operates in the same manner so the Chiefs will be on the hook for his $38.9 million third day of the 2026 league year roster bonus in the previous March on the third day of the 2025 league year. All of the latter years in Mahomes’ contract are like this.
After 2028, the percentage of Mahomes’ compensation in a March roster bonus starts decreasing significantly. By 2031, the final year of the contract, the percentage of compensation in a roster bonus is less than 30%. The Chiefs have already done two contract restructures (in 2021 and 2023) where some or all of a roster bonus was converted into signing bonus for salary cap relief.
Mahomes’ contract guarantees and cash flow are underwhelming. Only $63,081,905 was fully guaranteed at signing, which equaled the cash in the first three years (2020 through 2022). At the time, Ryan’s $94.5 million was the most ever fully guaranteed at signing in an NFL contract.
The $141,481,905 in overall contract guarantees, which is the cash in the first five years (2020 through 2024), set an NFL record. Overall contract guarantees are defined as the amount guaranteed for injury at signing that can become fully guaranteed during the deal. The roster bonuses aren’t included in this calculation because each one is unguaranteed at signing although
the conversion to becoming completely secure occurs early.
Mahomes only got $6 million more over his remaining two years (2020 and 2021) than if he had played out his rookie contract. By contrast, quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, who signed $33.5 million and $32.8 million per year four-year extensions with the Rams and Eagles, respectively, in 2019 when at same point in their careers as Mahomes was at the time, received $30 million and $29.6 million more over the final two years of their rookie deals.
There was also a big disparity with 2017 first overall pick Myles Garrett’s deal with the Browns that made him the league’s first $25 million per year non-quarterback about a week later. The All-Pro edge rusher got $23.75 million more than he was scheduled make in the final two years of his rookie contract, which was $17.75 million better than Mahomes.
Mahomes’ contract is backloaded. He is getting $197.75 million or 43.9% of the new money over the first five new contract years (2022 through 2026), which averages $39.55 million per year. $252.25 million of the $450 million (56.1%) is in the final five new years for an average of $50.45 million per year. Mahomes’ deal doesn’t top the $40 million per year mark until the sixth new year in 2027 with a $42.95 million average yearly salary (by new money)
The Mahomes approach of signing such a lengthy contract certainty isn’t the way to maximize career earnings. He attempted to strike a balance between being compensated fairly and allowing the Chiefs to consistently remain contenders by providing enough flexibility with the salary cap to add talent to the roster, especially in the initial years of his contract.
Nobody else has followed the Mahomes’ blueprint of a lengthy contract. Allen’s six-year extension is the next longest high-end quarterback contract.
There has been speculation that Burrow, 2020’s first overall pick, might consider a Mahomes type deal, especially after Bengals Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s comments during Super Bowl media interviews. “I think Joe knows what he wants and how he wants to set up his contract to keep some weapons around him,” Chase said. “I think that’s the biggest part for him.”
Bengals owner Mike Brown has expressed an affinity for how the Chiefs handled Mahomes’ contract on multiple occasions. “I sort of like how Mahomes said he doesn’t care about what those guys are getting,” Brown said last July. “He’s set for life with what he’s got. And why isn’t that a good way to look at it, I’m thinking.” Burrow indicated that his plan is to play his whole career with the Bengals in January before the playoffs started.
READ MORE: Prescott gets roasted by fans for Miami Grand Prix appearance with Patrick Mahomes
Burrow is scheduled to make $5,545,018 in 2023 on an $11,515,043 salary cap number. His fully guaranteed fifth-year option in 2024 is $29.504 million. Burrow has two years left on his contract for a total of $35,049,018.
A Mahomes type deal wouldn’t just provide for a nominal increase over the top of quarterback market, Jackson’s $52 million per year, where Burrow is at $53 million per year. Rodgers raised the bar for quarterback salaries nearly 12% when he surpassed Mahomes’ as the league highest-paid player. Doing the same for Burrow would put him in the $58 million per year neighborhood. That’s still insufficient to have Burrow under contract through the 2034 season
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Max Verstappen addresses ‘British bias’ at Mexican GP after Lewis Hamilton put-down
$200M Jeff Gordon teams up with Chase Elliott and Co. to decode the HMS driver behind the “Don’t judge me” old tweet
