According to AP, the Chiefs have signed Creed Humphrey to a 4-year, $72 million contract, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Creed Humphrey have reached an agreement on a four-year, $72 million extension, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday night under the condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been signed yet.

The source revealed that Humphrey’s deal includes $50 million in guaranteed money. This surpasses both the total value of Erik McCoy’s five-year, $60 million contract with the Saints and the $42 million in guarantees on Frank Ragnow’s four-year, $54 million deal with the Lions.

Selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 draft, Humphrey immediately became a starter, fortifying the interior of a revamped offensive line while quickly building strong chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Humphrey has been a reliable presence, starting all 51 regular-season games over the past three seasons. His performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in the last two seasons, though he skipped them to help the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls.

With the potential for three key players from their 2021 draft class, including Humphrey, fellow second-round pick Nick Bolton, and sixth-round pick Trey Smith, to hit free agency, the Chiefs face a challenge in keeping all three due to salary cap constraints. They have shown interest in signing Bolton, an underrated linebacker, to a long-term deal.

Humphrey and most of the Chiefs’ starters did not participate in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Bears. The Chiefs will kick off the regular season on Sept. 5 against the Ravens in a rematch of the AFC Championship Game.

This extension for Creed Humphrey marks a significant move by the Kansas City Chiefs as they solidify one of the most crucial positions on their offensive line. Humphrey’s rapid rise to becoming the highest-paid center in NFL history reflects not only his individual talent but also the importance of maintaining a strong offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have made it clear that they value continuity and stability on the offensive front, particularly in light of their recent success, which includes consecutive Super Bowl victories.

The deal also signals the Chiefs’ strategic approach to managing their roster amid looming salary cap challenges. With Humphrey now locked in for the foreseeable future, the focus shifts to securing other key contributors from the 2021 draft class, like linebacker Nick Bolton and guard Trey Smith. However, with limited cap space, the Chiefs will need to navigate these negotiations carefully to keep their core intact without compromising the overall roster depth.

As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, Humphrey’s contract extension provides a sense of security for both the player and the organization. With the offensive line anchored by one of the best centers in the league, the Chiefs are well-positioned to continue their dominance in the AFC. As they open the season against the Ravens in a highly anticipated rematch of the AFC Championship Game, all eyes will be on how this newly extended offensive line performs under the bright lights of prime time football.