NFL Insiders Estimate Massive Payday for Patrick Mahomes as a Free Agent

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' potential value as a free agent is astronomical, according to a recent poll of 31 NFL agents and representatives.

In a survey published by The Athletic's Ben Standig , a group of NFL representatives were asked a series of questions, ranging from "Which is the best-run franchise?" to "Which franchise had the best offseason?" But one question stood out.

"What average annual value would three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes receive if he were a free agent on the open market?" the agents were asked.

Out of the 31 people polled, six said they would offer Mahomes more than $100 million in average annual value (AAV), five estimated $75 million, and 13 believed he would command $70 million. The remaining seven estimated $60 million or below.

The highest-paid quarterbacks in the league today—Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, Green Bay's Jordan Love, and Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence—each earn $55 million per year, according to Spotrac.

While Mahomes currently holds the highest contract value at $450 million—$175 million more than the next closest player—he is tied for 11th in AAV with Atlanta's Kirk Cousins at $45 million.

"$100 million per year guaranteed over five years," one agent suggested in the poll. "That’s probably low. Mahomes is the ultimate difference-maker. Eighteen teams would pay that now.”

Some agents even speculated that it might take part ownership of a franchise for Mahomes to receive his true worth.

"Start at $70 million annually and go from there, even if that means part ownership somehow," another agent proposed.

Mahomes recently restructured his contract in March to create over $21 million in cap space for the Chiefs.

Given Mahomes' unmatched value and success—having already won three Super Bowls—his price tag would only continue to rise if he were ever to hit free agency.

As long as Mahomes keeps winning, the sky's the limit for what he could command on the open market.

Related: NFL Makes Decision on Status of Chiefs' Rashee Rice Ahead of 2024 Season Opener