The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of securing center Creed Humphrey with a record-setting contract extension, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. This new deal will reportedly elevate Humphrey to the status of the highest-paid center in the NFL.

Details provided by ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggest the contract spans four additional years and is valued at up to $72 million, with $50 million guaranteed. This move comes as Humphrey approaches the final year of his initial four-year rookie deal, which commenced after he was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Humphrey, an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, entered the league with significant accolades and expectations given his high intelligence and experience on the college field. His transition to the professional level was seamless and remarkably swift, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, a remarkable feat for a center.

Since his debut, Humphrey has not only lived up to but exceeded expectations, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. His performance earned him All-Pro honors and multiple Pro Bowl selections, consolidating his reputation as one of the league’s premier centers.

Following the retirement of Jason Kelce from the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey is poised to cement his position as the leading center in the NFL, a status that this new contract reflects both in terms of recognition and financial remuneration.

This contract extension is somewhat of a departure for the Chiefs, who have typically maintained a conservative approach to renewals, often choosing to rely on their drafting prowess under the guidance of Brett Veach to develop cost-effective talent. Nonetheless, securing a foundational talent like Humphrey underscores Kansas City’s commitment to maintaining a competitive core, recognizing the invaluable role he plays on their offensive line.