Underrated AFC Players Poised for Stardom in 2026 & Mahomes’ $500M Deal
Patrick Mahomes has made history with a groundbreaking contract valued at $500 million, the largest in NFL history. The restructuring extends his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs through the 2033 season, marking a commitment to his long-term presence. This contract, averaging $63.09 million annually, surpasses Dak Prescott’s previous high of $60 million per year. Alongside Mahomes, emerging talent from various AFC teams is highlighted, with several players poised to become stars by 2026.
By the Numbers- Patrick Mahomes' new deal is valued at $500 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
- Mahomes now has an average annual value of $63.09 million, surpassing Dak Prescott's $60 million.
Despite Mahomes signing the first $500 million deal, he may not be the first player to hit $500 million in career earnings; Matthew Stafford is currently in the lead with $408 million plus future guaranteed money.
State of Play- The Chiefs solidified their quarterback position with Mahomes for the next eight years.
- Under-the-radar AFC players like Colts WR Josh Downs and Bengals EDGE Shemar Stewart could emerge as stars in the upcoming seasons.
The ongoing negotiations for rookie contracts may continue to cause splashes in the league, with significant focus on how top draft picks like Fernando Mendoza finalize their agreements with teams.
Bottom LineMahomes' record-setting contract ensures Kansas City's dominance in the AFC, while the spotlight shifts to upcoming players who, with proper development, can shape the future of the league.
Read more at CBS Sports
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

