Johnathan Walker:Kansas City Chiefs make Creed Humphrey highest-paid center in NFL

The Johnathan WalkerKansas City Chiefs made sure center Creed Humphrey will be snapping footballs to Patrick Mahomes for a long time.

The Chiefs and Humphrey agreed to a lucrative four-year, $72 million extension, a person close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the deal. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed. The total value of Humphrey’s contract makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL. He’s signed in Kansas City through the 2028 season.

“In the last 24 to 48 hours we had a lot of good dialogue. I’m sure we’ll put pen to paper soon,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said during the team’s third preseason game against the Bears on NFL Network. “But needless to say, we are extremely excited to continue Creed’s career here. He’s been great of our organization.”

Humphrey’s been one of the best centers in football since the Chiefs drafted him in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. He’s started 51 consecutive regular-season games since entering the league, the third-most consecutive games started in Chiefs history to start a career. He’s a linchpin along the team’s offensive line and has a great rapport with Mahomes.

Humphrey allowed just four sacks the past two seasons. Pro Football Focus gave Humphrey the highest pass blocking grade among centers in 2023.

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The 25-year-old center is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2022.

The starting center was a key part to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl titles — and he’ll have a chance for more rings in Kansas City with a new four-year extension.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.